A friend and mentor - (Boston's child) Gary Shane (Gary Shane and The Detour) got me started as a singer songwriter. I approached him wanting to sing what I'd been writing, and learn the guitar. I've learned some of his songs too. I credit him with the patience, and lack of worry in showing me this fantastic field. He is influenced by Neil Young, and I was re-born into that from my youth. I was given a broad introduction into many genres. Then I learned Ring Of Fire on my own, and it made me do a complete 360 !!! It 's by far the biggest hit when I play out. I continue to admire Johnny Cash and play many of his songs in performance.I took a songwriting course in Harvard Square with Gary's 70's partner David Champagne (a noted guitar player in the Boston scene) and a songwriter of underground hits. I learned the more technical side of music mainly through Eric Clemenzi of Haverhill, MA. He's a Berkley Grad, and a very good guitar player of progressive rock.
