My early music experiences were classical piano lessons and singing in the choir at church. Later I picked up the bassoon, of all things, and began playing with the wind ensemble at my high school. I really loved the group camaraderie of bands and choir groups which definitely spurred me on to investigate music further. I began playing in rock and folk groups a little later in life than most, really after I graduated from music school, which is where I picked up my accordion and songwriting skills. I’ve really been interested in the whole world of music and a wide range of genres, even though there’s only time enough in one life to investigate a few thoroughly.
One Ring Zero, Chicha Libre, Hang The Lights, The Foolish Band, The Josh Roseman Unit, Hazmat Modine, Terry Radigan, Piedmont Souprize, Sparklehorse, Cracker.
The first band I really fell in love with. This album has a cross section of styles and is a great example of Led Zeppelin’s range.
One of the albums that inspired me to learn the accordion. An amazing combination of beat poetry, Kurt Weill-inspired music and instrumentation, and great songwriting.
In my opinion the greatest American composer, this Ellington record is a suite of pieces inspired be Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays. An amazing reference for arranging and mood.
This album got me interested in country and Appalachian music. An incredible record with most of Merle Haggard’s band backing him up.
This is really a side project combining members of Los Lobos with the producers Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake. A great mix of lo-fi field recordings and Chicano psychedelica, it evokes a very specific geography and mood. This record has definitely influenced my production aesthetic over the years.