I was influenced into playing bass while attending Veishea, an annual Iowa State University campus celebration. I watched a guy playing bass in a band at a private party and was mesmerized at the sound he was making. Suddenly I realized there's a world out there, a world of bass! Later that year, age 19, I saw a 1967 Gibson EBO short scale for sale in the paper. The seller gave me some pointers and with my background in accordion I was on my way. After some years of play a 22-yr. hiatus interveined but in 2004 I decided to make up for lost time. I resumed play on another vintage Gibson, an EB-3 slot head, running its fat, passive tone through a '70's tuck-'n-roll Plush 100w all-tube head and Ampeg Port-a-Cab. For active sound I grab my Ibanez SR900 bubinga & maple laminate neck-through with 1-5/8" nut, ergonomic body, Bartolini Mk1 pups and 4 Elixir Nanoweb strings... an amazing combination of features which came on the bass scene in late 2004. I hook it up to an Ampeg 3-Pro head and BXT-410 cab.

Melody may soar but bass is the tone of the gods. Set your fun dial on "HIGH." Wield the power. Work hard and you will live your dreams. Fleetwood Mac's John McVee is my most revered bass influence. I recommend any lesson by Stephen Potts. His lessons have received about 3/4 million hits here at AB.

Musical Influences

• John McVee, Al Stewart, Neal Young, Ray Charles, Joe Brown, Carole King, Stevie Wonder
• Phil Collins, Steve Winwood, Molly Nova
• Eric Clapton, Moe Towne, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, Billy Preston, John Lennon, many more

Favorite Recordings

• On the Boarder--Al Stewart
• Shelter From the Storm--Bob Dylan
• Beware of Darkness--George Harrison