cont.:
Professional singing roles in NY include performances in Oliver, The Pirates of Penzance , Brigadoon, and Jesus Christ Superstar. I left NY in 1986, having discovered (among other things) that I was a lousy waiter. Richmond became the place for me and my lovely bride, Deb, to raise a family. I've since been a member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, singing in their choir, as well as one of the founding members of their contemporary music group, The Spirits. I've also had the privilege of singing with The Richmond Symphony Chorus.
I'm a self-taught harmonica player, first picking it up at age 17, because I didn't have the discipline to learn more ‘serious’ instruments. Musical influences are too numerous to mention, ranging from Bach to Zappa, the Beatles to ZZ Top, and , of course, blues pioneers like Robert Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Little Walter.
The Silverback Blues Burners is the brainchild of Jim McCauley, myself, and original keyboard player Gary ‘Smitty’ Smith, whose career unfortunately has taken him elsewhere and who is still missed. This is the 5 th band I've been a part of in my life, and it is the most versatile and the most fun!