My earliest music memories were of my brothers, sisters and I imitating bands by playing air guitar on tennis rackets, banging on a drum set made up of garbage cans, or pots and pans. It was great fun, but it was also an outlet for the music in my soul that needed expression. Later on I remember playing a Kimball organ my my mom bought for us. The family would dance around the living room while I made up things on that organ. It was great fun. After a short stint in the army, I bought a guitar with my unemployment checks, along with some Joni Mitchell and James Taylor records, and learned some songs. A year later I was busking on Main Street in Poughkeepsie New York, and gigging in some of the local venues around the area.

At Dutchess Community College I played in a Big Band under the direction of Roger Thorpe (Glen Miller, Sammy Kay). I ended up dropping out of college at New Paltz to join a local union band called Sunshine. It consisted of Marc Elbaum on tenor, Ralph Ditrocchio on Hammond B3, Frank Santagoda on bass, Billy Griffiths on drums and me on guitar. Among many other gigs we had a 9 month steady at the Rocking Horse Ranch resort in Highland, NY. I did the club scene for many years, playing anything for a buck. Enjoyed jamming most of all. Covered a lot of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Dylan, jazz standards, Marshall Tucker, blues, all kinds of stuff.

Had a band called the Moose River Band with my brothers, Joe on bass, Tom on drums, Colby Lewis singing, which was a lot of fun. We worked mostly NY and CT. Worked with many fine musicians in the Hudson Valley like: Edgar Goss, Kevin Cowan, Randy Ciarlante, Marc Giammarco, Andy Hardin. Finally had the opportunity to study with Jim Gannon (of Buddy Rich fame) for a short time. This was like a dream come true. Jim was writing some amazing tunes and playing them with his trio, which consisted of Steve Brown on guitar and Brian Murphy on vibes. Then:

Picked up a Bible and started reading it for the first time in my life. That was October 1984. In March of 1985I discovered why Jesus went to the cross. I knew it was for me. The only thing I knew to do at that point was to ask God to forgive me, and ask Him to take control of my life. Wow! He changed everything (man, that's an understatement). Sold all my music gear and just about dropped out of music, but God prompted me to keep playing. So now I sing and play for my savior, my master: Jesus Christ.

My harmonica playing buddy got me back into playing out in Poughkeepsie at a cool coffee house called the Cubby Hole. Not long afterwards, we met the folks at Rapunzels Coffe and Books in Lovingston, VA. In fact I miss the Wednesday night jams and Friday open mics with Bob and Sarah Taylor, Bill and Linda Staton, Jim, Rusty and the gang. My dear friend, Dick Schinke started the Blue Rose Acoustic Guild where I met Jim and Paula Taggart. Jim is a fine msucian who has graciously joined in on some tunes at Rapunzels with me as well.

Debbie and I travel taking the Good News to the nooks and crannies of America, singing in parks, coffee houses, churches, concerts, wherever we can help people know the truth of Jesus Christ. Often we're joined by other musicians along the way, such as Biery Davis, a fine harmonica player. We've been playing foot-stompin music together since 2003. When joined by other musicians, we use the name " Free Union" which began with Dale Woolum on bass, and Bruce Zenone on drums. It's been fun playing with such fine musicians around America with folks like Wayne Grosvenor, Greg Woodfin, Dave , Rick Carter, Webb Sanders, Derrick Johnson, Ron Waldvogal, John Avalone-Sera.

My earliest music memories were of my brothers, sisters and I imitating bands by playing air guitar on tennis rackets, banging on a drum set made up of garbage cans, or pots and pans. It was great fun, but it was also an outlet for the music in my soul that needed expression. Later on I remember playing a Kimball organ my my mom bought for us. The family would dance around the living room while I made up things on that organ. It was great fun. After a short stint in the army, I bought a guitar with my unemployment checks, along with some Joni Mitchell and James Taylor records, and learned some songs. A year later I was busking on Main Street in Poughkeepsie New York, and gigging in some of the local venues around the area.

At Dutchess Community College I played in a Big Band under the direction of Roger Thorpe (Glen Miller, Sammy Kay). I ended up dropping out of college at New Paltz to join a local union band called Sunshine. It consisted of Marc Elbaum on tenor, Ralph Ditrocchio on Hammond B3, Frank Santagoda on bass, Billy Griffiths on drums and me on guitar. Among many other gigs we had a 9 month steady at the Rocking Horse Ranch resort in Highlandk,k NY. I did the club scene for many years, playing anything for a buck. Enjoyed jamming most of all. Covered a lot of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Dylan, jazz standards, Marshall Tucker, blues, all kinds of stuff.

Had a band called the Moose River Band with my brothers, Joe on bass, Tom on drums, Colby Lewis singing, which was a lot of fun. We worked mostly NY and CT. Worked with many fine musicians in the Hudson Valley like: Edgar Goss, Kevin Cowan, Randy Ciarlante, Marc Giammarco, Andy Hardin. Finally had the opportunity to study with Jim Gannon (of Buddy Rich fame) for a short time. This was like a dream come true. Jim was writing some amazing tunes and playing them with his trio, which consisted of Steve Brown on guitar and Brian Murphy on vibes. Then:

Picked up a Bible and started reading it for the first time in my life. That was October 1984. In March of 1985I discovered why Jesus went to the cross. I knew it was for me. The only thing I knew to do at that point was to ask God to forgive me, and ask Him to take control of my life. Wow! He changed everything (man, that's an understatement). Sold all my music gear and just about dropped out of music, but God prompted me to keep playing. So now I sing and play for my savior, my master: Jesus Christ.

My harmonica playing buddy got me back into playing out in Poughkeepsie at a cool coffee house called the Cubby Hole. Not long afterwards, we met the folks at Rapunzels Coffe and Books in Lovingston, VA. In fact I miss the Wednesday night jams and Friday open mics with Bob and Sarah Taylor, Bill and Linda Staton, Jim, Rusty and the gang. My dear friend, Dick Schinke started the Blue Rose Acoustic Guild where I met Jim and Paula Taggart. Jim is a fine msucian who has graciously joined in on some tunes at Rapunzels with me as well.

Debbie and I travel taking the Good News to the nooks and crannies of America, singing in parks, coffee houses, churches, concerts, wherever we can help people know the truth of Jesus Christ. Often we're joined by other musicians along the way, such as Biery Davis, a fine harmonica player. We've been playing foot-stompin music together since 2003. When joined by other musicians, we use the name " Free Union" which began with Dale Woolum on bass, and Bruce Zenone on drums. It's been fun playing with such fine musicians around America with folks like Wayne Grosvenor, Greg Woodfin, Dave , Rick Carter, Webb Sanders, Derrick Johnson, Ron Waldvogal, John Avalone-Sera

Recording has always been an elusive dream until I met Tom and Geri White, fine musicians and dear friends. Tom helped produce and record my first CD in 2003. At that time I met another fellow who was to become a dear brother and prayer partner: Robby Meadows in Harrisonburg, VA. He has been instrumental in helping me take the message to the another level. These folks are not only fine musicians, but have been a great source of encouragement to me on life's journey.

While we're off the road in Charlottesville, VA, I really enjoy playing with my good friend, Ken Kotarski on keys, or sitting in with George Melvin and the folks on Monday night. The regulars with him are Dave Sanford and Alan Ponton on saxes, Tom Bibb on trumpet, Jim Howe on drums, John Cardin on vocals, and the Melvinettes on encouragement. It's always great getting together with my prayer buddy - Joe Tucker, who is a fine jazz musician as well. There have been many fine musicians in this picture, and I wish there was time to name them all. You all have a sweet spot in my musical memories and it would be great to see you once more before we depart this world.

It's true that God is love. He provides well for all of His creation, but especially for those that love Him and live for Him. Have you met Jesus? If not, why not check out the Gospel of John in the Bible. It has the power to change you life, if you let it. He's waiting to show you His amazing love: just ask Him to.

God did everything necessary for us to escape eternal destruction:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, that whosoever believes in him might not perish, but have everlasting life. Those that have the Son have life, those that don't have the Son, don't have life, but the wrath of God abides on them.

Choose life, and I'll see you in heaven some sweet day!