I am but a simple man. I am also a passionate man in many ways, but I have one passion that I would like to expand on, and how I got to where I am now. (The others you can ask me about outside of this blog if you are interested) 
Music
The Early Years – Piano
This passion I have carried since I was in early elementary school. And not just rock n’ roll, but all types of music. I started early on playing piano, as some do, but I did performances, competitions, and other various things with my music. I even played for one of the authors of a piano book I used to hone my skill. That, was stressful enough for me.
The Middle Years – Viola/Choir
“What the hell is a viola?” IMO – It’s a bigger, lower pitched violin which implies it doesn’t have the high E like a violin, and with a funny little symbol for the music (no treble or bass clef here). I did this primarily in middle school. I was apparently pretty good, or so I was told, but after middle school I quit playing. I have a small interest in picking up another stringed instrument. I’d like to learn the violin/fiddle. It was around this time that I learned I could sing. Granted my voice hadn’t changed yet, so I sang, ahem, alto. For that age, it’s kinda funny, but yet it made sense.
The Later Years and Now – Guitar and Singing
Finally, in 1994, I gave in. I finally decided I wanted to learn the guitar. With my piano background, and yes, I can still read sheet music, it came pretty easy knowing the notes, and what went where on a musical staff. The tones and stuff came too, but the chords. Oh fuck the chords and the pain. That’s the worst part of learning, the chords. My fingers hurt for weeks until I finally adjusted. Now, I could play for hours with no problems.
I took a few voice lessons in recent years and was told I do have the ability, which I do, but i lack the ability to do it on my own without some sort of backup vocals to help me find the right pitch and note. This is typical, from what I understand, and I just need to work on it.
My Influences
Piano – Nothing really directly influenced me to play piano other than I enjoyed it, well ok, maybe my parents, but nothing has influenced me to pick it back up other than a few people telling me I should. Although, Tori Amos makes a good argument for making me want to pick this up again.
Guitar – Only recently have I discovered my idol for guitar playing. This is where my passion lies. Watching this man do magical, and almost impossible sounding, things on an acoustic 6 and 12-string guitar is just amazing. My fingers don’t even move that fast. The name?
Leo Kottke
Look him up, buy his stuff, that dates back to 1969, see him in concert, I have seen him twice. But most importantly, just listen. It’ll blow your mind and entertain you. If you happen to get a copy of some of his live stuff, be prepared for a comedy show built into a music concert. He’s quite hilarious when you see him live with his stories and quips between songs. As one lady put it last time I saw him, April – 2009, “Did we come here to see a comedy show or a concert?” I didn’t have it in me to tell her “Ma’am, with Leo, you get both. It’s a 2-for-1 package deal.”
Who got me into Leo, you might ask? That is a random answer.
My Uncle Steve and Aunt Carolyn. (My mom’s brother and sister-in-law.) I am a guy, I was in my 20s at the time, and I am hard to shop for. For my birthday one year in mid-1990s, they gave me a copy of “Essential Leo Kottke”. I was hooked. And, only recently, did I go on an Amazon.com and Half.com hunt for the rest of his albums. Thanks Steve and Carolyn, although they will probably not read this, but if they do, I’ll be tickled if they leave me a comment.
Will I ever be able to play like Leo, probably not, but I’ll always love to hear him play.
So, if you have a chance to grab some songs by Leo, or if you happen to be able to hear him concert, go. For the love of music go. You won’t be disappointed. He’s not getting any younger either.
And, you’re welcome.
