Vital Stats

Age: Is it possible to omit the age?

Instruments: Guitar, no vocals, some piano

Band: Presently performing solo jazz guitar. However, I have recently worked as a duo with vocalist Linda Flynn from Ormond Beach .

Day job: Semi-retired school teacher and musician-guitarist. I hate the word retired! When I lived in South Florida I worked as an elementary school teacher and part-time musician. While teaching, I used my background as a musician to compose and write musical publications and develop learning activities for the classroom.

My activities were later published in two books titled "Rap 'n Rock: Musical Activities for Language and Literacy" and "Rap 'n Rock 2: More Musical Activities for Language and Literacy." These books can be viewed at the Academic Communications Associates website at acadcom.com.

Before this, I wrote two guitar method books for the intermediate guitar player, which were published by Warner Bros. Music -- "Guitar Ad lib" and "Guitar Forms." They are no longer in print.

Hometown: I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. However, for 30 years I lived in South Florida until I moved full time to the Ponce Inlet area in October 2008.

Type of music you perform: Standards, smooth jazz and light pop

Repertoire sampler: My music repertoire consists of jazz standards including "Unforgettable" and "How High the Moon," and some of the earlier Beatles songs such as "Till There Was You."

My smooth jazz repertoire includes Peter White's "Bright," George Benson's "Breezin' " and Jeff' Golub's "On the Beach." Which reminds me, I was recently showcased on YouTube for my interpretation of "On the Beach."

Website: smoothjazzguitarist.webstarts.com

Taking Notes

Who or what inspired you to take up music?

Like many of the baby boomer musicians, I was inspired by Elvis playing the guitar. I later began to appreciate the artist value and guitar styles of the great legends such as Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell and Howard Roberts. Did I mention Barney Kessel, too?

What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?

There have been so many of them, I'm not sure where to start. However, I do remember in my earlier years I thought it was pretty neat when I was called to play guitar for the touring show "Grease," which was being performed in my hometown, Youngstown, Ohio.

What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?

I have always admired the creativity and giftedness of guitarist Howard Roberts. He is deceased now. Would have been an exciting and great learning experience to meet and talk to him.

What was the last book you read?

"The Wisdom of Insecurity" by Alan Watts

What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?

Peter White's "Good Day"

What is your favorite movie?

I always enjoyed science fiction movies, including the movie "Star Trek."

What was the best concert you ever attended?

To be perfectly honest, I never really attended many concerts. I was usually working as school teacher and musician, and my free time never corresponded with the concerts I would have liked to have seen. However, I did attend a concert by the group Chicago in Miami quite a few years back. Great band and players!

"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":

Be involved in the arts or teaching.

"I'd sell my soul for ...":

It would not be for sale, but if I gave it a thought, my sweetheart Jacquie would put a stop to it!