My style is country-folk-blues, the themes of my songs are social justice, poverty-homelessness, nature, relationships, spirituality,personal growth. I was born and raised in the South, but also lived in New England 20 years. So I have been exposed to a variety of styles and mental sets. In addition to songwriting, I write prose-poetry and essays on creativity, personal growth and politics.
I love a variety of musical artists, country, rock, blues, etc. Lately, I have been playing a lot of Bon Jovi. I went through a strong Ronnie Van Zant phase a few years ago. There are certain songs I latch on to and play over and over till the CD wears out, like "Collide," by Howie Day,"It's My Life," by Bon Jovi, "Born to Run," by Springsteen.
There is a saying by Pat Conroy,"Without music, life is a journey through a desert." I subscribe to that saying. Music keeps my spirit alive, when I feel like i am slowly dying inside. It provides an avenue for deep reflection on the past, as well exploration of the present and a way to envision the future.
I love to play out at an open mic at a cafe in Hendersonville, North Carolina called the ugly mug/ This is a tiny venue. You play to maybe 20 people but some great artists show up. What makes it great is the diversity: folk, country, blues, bluegrass, rock. Mountain folk, Southern folk, black, white, young, old. The variety of people makes the setting dynamic. I play-sing originals and covers.
As far as songwriting is concerned, I have about 50 songs. I have shared some of them at the ugly Mug, and plan share more.
Some people regard performance at a small venue like that as trivial or insignificant. In my view, it is far from that. It's a magic time at the Ugly Mug on a Wednesday night.
I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate with other songwriters. Strong lyrics, a good voice, not a great composer or guitar player--that's me.
But I feel good about my work. And i believe in music.
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