Bill's Musical Background & ProfileMusical style - easy listening instrumental; light rock; "adult contemporary"; countryMy musical tastes formed back during the Beatles era, but now they range from contemporary jazz to country. I've played the piano from my earliest recollections, when I used to crawl up on the piano bench at my home and try to mimic melodies I'd heard. Playing by ear has always been my preferred venue. I took piano lessons in 4th grade, but disliked the practicing so I backed away from futher lessons (unfortunately!). I continued to play on my own, so I kept the "ear" for it. I got an acoustic guitar at about age 9 and took one Summer of lessons years later -- again, really preferring to play by ear. I also took up drums at about age 13 and had a garage band with my brother and a couple friends, but I never got all that good at drums. As a junior in high school, some classmates and I formed a pop-rock band in which I played organ and rythm guitar. We became our school favorite (you've gotta like your own team!). In college, I joined a fivesome rock group with some local talent. I still marvel at their abilities which I captured on tape way back then. After college, I helped two new friends build a 24-track recording studio (I did all audio equipment installation and maintenance for about 3 years, all the lighting and electrical wiring, plus some recording engineering and a few sessions as a studio musician). I learned a lot about the recording industry at that time -- and how hard it is to "make it" as a professional musician! (I kept my day job, needless to say.) I also became a Christian during that time (more on that here). I subsequently served as keyboardist in two bands, one of which, Chuck Snow and Friends, released an LP (yes, vinyl!). I contined to act as a part-time recording engineer and sound man. I was introduced to MIDI sequencing software and MIDI musical gear though some Christian friends, and began to assemble a small home-based MIDI studio setup where I could finally record the musical ideas which had been running around in my head for years. Thus were the beginnings of my CDs One For The Asking and Think Twice. I hope to continue with more (and hopefully more refined) compositions. In recent years, I took up learning the very challenging pedal steel guitar. Ah, I seem to know how to keep myself busy!
Footnote: Daisy Dern is an up and coming contry & folk singer/songwriter. I think her style and abilities are just what is needed in Nashville these days. I encourage all to visit her site, listen to her songs, and buy her CDs! |
