Album Notes

I started playing guitar 24 years ago when I was 15 years old. At that time, I was so inspired by Carlos Santana, that I felt that I should at least try to play guitar. Within the first few months of playing, I knew that this was what I was meant to do. By playing 10 to 12 hours a day, I quickly learned Santana's "Abraxas," "Moonflower," and many others. It was through the musical collaborations of Carlos that I discovered John Mclaughlin, another huge influence. Then there was "Return to Forever," and the big Al Dimeola influence. Pat Metheny, Steve Morse, Jeff Beck, John Scofield, Eddie Van Halen, and Roy Buchanon were all influential in developing my style.

I studied Charlie Parker tunes, learned the solo violin part in three of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons,"(for which I specifically bought a 29 fret guitar to play the piece in the original key), and learned a few Bill Whelan compositions from the "Riverdance" cd. I never took any lessons, but would never claim to be "self taught." I have been taught by every musician that I've come in contact with or in some way has touched my life. Whether I spend hours figuring out their music from a recording, jam with them onstage one time, or sit down and pick their brain for any information that I can make sense of, I still am being taught by many, many people.

I never stop learning, so I still play 3 to 5 hours a day. In fact, "Moment of Clarity" is new territory for me. When I decided to make an acoustic record a couple of years ago, my finger style, or classical technique was just a novelty, I've always been primarily a flat picker. During the time that was spent rehearsing and recording, my finger picking began to show some promise, so I waited until I was able to play these pieces as I heard them in a solo guitar format. I played the percussion on the guitar itself, added a few solos, and that was it.

"Moment of Clarity" was done in 3 ½ sessions. It came together very naturally, and that is one of its strengths. It flows very naturally. If you listen to it closely, there is enough going on to keep you interested, but it also sounds great in the background of a dinner party or a family get together. People have told me that they love to listen to it while driving, or relaxing on the beach. So, check it out, and enjoy! Best wishes, John