It all started with a ten-dollar guitar my parents bought me from the local five and dime. That dates me, I know. But it also reveals the long history of rich experiences that flow out of my heart and into my music. I now play a beautiful Koa Taylor guitar given me 20 years ago by my sister-in-law Kathi.

My music is shaped by a long list of instrumental, folk, ambient, jazz, and acoustic musicians who continue to inspire me: David Foster, David Benoit, Dave Grusin, Dave Koz, Rich Mullins, John Denver, James Taylor, and Mark O'Connor...

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I'm also grateful for the rich company I've had along the way—Kim Deardorff, Larry Culey, Bobbie Martin, Juan Portela, Donna Cunningham, Chris Lang, Jesse Johnson, and James Bokovoy. We've had a ton of fun and made a lot of music together over the years. They've pushed me to be a better version of myself as a musician and as a person.

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When time allows, I'm still making music with my wife, Conna, and four grown children—Emily Beth, Chelsea, Taylor, and Adriana—not to mention their significant others. They keep me honest and provide me with endless reasons to keep making new music and sharing it with the world.