I have an appreciation of all music, but when it comes to a concise composition of melody and (usually) lyric I am a true believer.

It makes sense that I was formatted for pop. Mom worked in the local stereo/record store until she was eight months along with me. After I made my appearance her work was at home and the soundtrack was a rich mix of Ellington, Fitzgerald, Getz and Brubeck. ’60s pop soon became a constant (KMPC 710) and I was picking out my own singles at 7 and LPs at 10.

I talked my way into my first band in 9th grade – lead vocals and percussion. I picked up enough piano to play 70s pop by the chords. After graduation it was all about writing our own stuff. Years went on and bands formed and broke up. I remained always a fan and feasted on the bountiful smorgasbord of post-’70s rock. Recognition and validation came from some who really mattered; fame and fortune went to the party down the block.

Today, it’s still a condition/problem/compulsion/obsession. Yes, I’m painfully aware of how my 20-something self would cluck pitifully at some old dude who was still trying with the spandex and pyrotechnics. I know how easy it is to slip unsuspectingly into the abyss of self-parody. Despite this wisdom, I have made the resolution to add time in my life to play more music – to offer up my best in an honest context without pomp and all those other pomp-like things that can multiply the cheese factor.

My confidence comes entirely from the guys you see me with here:

mostly harmless: John M., Dennis G., Phil O. & Ralph T.

After all these years I have the privilege of working with exceptionally talented, decent, honest people. We do it with a complete absence of drama. John M. is an award winning singer/songwriter, guitarist and undiscovered Giant of Science. Phil O. is an accomplished producer/engineer/songwriter, guitarist and recognized for his gear journalism in EQ Magazine and on HarmonyCentral.com (where he has been a forum moderator for most of this decade). Dennis G., who has refined his habit of beating on things into a fine percussive craft, is also world-renowned for his work as a master builder at a big guitar house (he makes ‘em for the stars, folks, including one John Flansburgh and that guy who plays guitar in The Police).

So, we’ve got a plan. We’re gonna work on getting together more often (this means booking some gigs). John and I are going to get our finished tracks together and make (at least) one digital EP release for each of us. We’re also planning to bring some other artists onto our “imprint” and work on producing a few live podcasts from Phil’s place. Hopefully the music will make you smile and you won’t feel embarrassed for the old dudes trying to keep it going.

Because I really don’t think I’m ever going to be able to stop it.