Q: Where are you from?
A: Born and raised in Butler, Pennsylvania. Moved to Virginia in the spring of 1988 in search of a job in the IT field, having just graduated from Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in computer science.
Q: How old are you?
A: I’m over 40. Once you’re over 40, does your exact age really matter? You’re just old. And your feet hurt.
Q: How did you get started in music?
A: Growing up, both of my grandfathers had electronic organs, and they taught me a few songs. I still remember the first song I ever learned – “Alley Cat”. I started taking organ lessons in 4th or 5th grade – I was too young to know how un-cool the organ was – I thought it was great fun! By 9th grade, I finally realized how un-cool the organ was, and switched to piano, which I studied until graduation. As a freshman in college, a fraternity brother had a POS Hondo Strat-copy and a LOUD Peavey POS amp – he showed me how to fret a power chord, and then how to play “Iron Man” - I was hooked!
Q: What is something you enjoy but are embarrassed to admit?
A: I *really* like Abba. I’m serious.
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
A: I’m an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church.
Q: What gear do you use?
A: I keep it simple: Fender Precision 4-string (5-strings are toys for wankers), Hartke kickback 1x12 combo. Our PA is powerful, so I go direct - most of the bass you hear is coming from the PA, not my amp.
Q: What is your favorite color?
A: Lavender. I know, I know – but I *like* it...
Q: What are your favorite foods?
A: Indian (chicken vindaloo), Afghanistan kabob, steak (medium-rare, with a dry red wine), N. Carolina-style BBQ. Oh yeah – pizza and beer (but who doesn’t?).
Q: Other than music, what are your interests?
A: Watching movies; riding and customizing my Harley; Texas Holdem’ poker; NASCAR; spending time with my wife Dawn-Marie and our two shelter-dogs (*please* consider adopting a pet who needs a home www.hart90.org, www.foha.org, www.loudoun.gov/animals), trying to solve the universe’s greatest mystery: Who is the more over-rated/over-paid/no-talent actress - Jennifer Aniston or Sandra Bullock? Sadly, we may never know.
Q: What are some of your favorite movies?
A: Princess Bride, The Godfather (pts I & II – pt. III sucked ass!), Star Wars episode IV (I was only 12, but this was the first movie that blew my mind), The Wizard of Oz, Fargo, This Is Spinal Tap, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Best In Show, Animal House, Dumb & Dumber, Team America/World Police, Pink Floyd – The Wall, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Jaws, Forrest Gump, ok – I better stop now. Did I mention I really like movies?
Q: Who are your favorite bass players?
A: I like bass players that first and foremost support the song, but also groove and are creative and melodic. James Jamerson (Motown) was the greatest of all-time – he’s in a class by himself; Paul McCartney (Beatles); Bob Daisley (Ozzy Osbourne); Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Carl Radle (Eric Clapton); John McVie (Fleetwood Mac); Randy Meisner (Eagles), Mike Mills (REM), Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, many, many others), Pino Paladino (everyone else)
Q: What is your favorite guitar solo?
A: I’d have to say Neil Schon (Journey) on the song “Lights” – so tasteful and melodic! How many guitar solos can you hum from memory?
Q: Anything else you want to say?
A: I think this line from the Rush song “Freewill” best sums me up:
“You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that's clear
I will choose free will.”
