I have been in love with guitar since I first heard Kiss - Destroyer at 11 years old. Ah the power, the sound, it became a new world. All I really cared about was learning how to play this new thing. After the Kiss and AC/DC phase, I dug into guitar hero's such as Alex Lifeson, Al DiMeola, EVH, George Lynch, Randy Rhodes, and Michael Schenker.
While I started out with a rock perspective, I was interested in other genres like jazz fusion, chicken pickin’ style players, and blues. Following the teenage years my influences were augmented by shredders like Paul Gilbert, Shawn Lane, Frank Gambale, and Satch, as well as eclectic players like Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, Allan Holdsworth, Andy Timmons, and Lukather. Over the years I have been an instructor, studio guy, writer, and player in original and cover bands. My influences and studies with some great teachers like Andy Timmons, Tim Currin, Milo Deering, and others left me with some decent theory knowledge and technique. My overall style has been described to me as eccentric and somewhat rhythmically , well, weird.
Algebra of Light” is a progressive rock/metal project ranging from ethereal melodic passages to grinding metallic excursions. The compositions draw from a musical freedom that I hope produce works rich in melody, intricate structure, and rhythmic variety. It’s my hope that the songs take listeners on serene musical walks to intense roller-coasters.
The compositions for “Algebra of Light” where written, arranged, and originally recorded in my home studio. Most of the drum programming I did was finally replaced in the studio by Scott Weltner. With a master’s degree in Jazz Composition from the esteemed jazz-centric University of North Texas, years of studio and live playing experience, Weltner has an incredible pallet of skills to draw from. Weltner was able to exceed my expectations with his drumming performances. The drum parts for the songs are complex however Scott mastered and expounded on them to my great relief and satisfaction. There are still a few songs that have programmed drums including, Algebra of Light, Virtual Machine, Stranger, and The Ocean. The majority of the bass parts were re-recorded by Ty Weatherly. Ty is a bassist with over 20 years of experience and able to articulate highly technical passages with precision without losing the feel and groove of the rhythm. Keyboard tracks were re-recorded by my producer at the time Rob Shrock who currently plays keyboards and is the musical director for Burt Bacharach. Rob is a highly skilled engineer and producer. He has played with a myriad of greats including Dion Warwick, Elvis Costello, Adele, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and was one of the music directors for the 72nd Academy Awards. He is an incredible producer and engineer. I learned so much from him about production as we worked through this project. Rob’s dedication and giving to this endeavor I will always be very grateful for. He’s truly a gifted individual.
I recorded all the guitars, drum programming, as well as some bass and keyboards. Vocals have been a challenge and I have yet to find that “just right” fit. Two very gifted vocalists have recorded various tracks and while they did an excellent job, they just weren’t quite the right fit.
