What's your favorite part about playing and recording?

The creative process of actually composing a tune is immensely enjoyable, as the music sometimes arrives right out of the blue. The next step is bringing it to life at the keyboard and developing it into a song, which is also quite satisfying. The recording aspect of it is a lot of fun too, but my favorite part of playing and recording occurs at the very end of it all. To see people being inspired by my music, either in a live performance or from just listening to one of my CDs, is the ultimate joy for me.

What was the first song you can remember hearing as a child that was pivot?

"Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones, as it featured a great and infectious hook, as well as "Somebody to Love" by The Jefferson Airplane. Also, The Beatles had a big impact on me with their keen sense of melody. I later went on to be inspired by the various R & B artists that were emerging in the late sixties.

Do you have one main goal or theme for 2006?

Basically, to get my music out there and heard. Writing, playing and recording my tunes is great fun, but that, in itself, isn't enough. Since most of my compositions have been inspired by the many blessings in my life, I have the desire to share all of those joys with anyone with ears to hear. For me, it's certainly about the music, but it's also about communicating and connecting with others. In 2006, it is my hope to win over many new fans through radio and internet exposure and live performances.

What's on your iPod?

Given that my music tends to be eclectic, it's not surprising that you asked me this question. Here's the short list: Richard Elliot, Dave Koz, Brian Culbertson, The Rippingtons, Paul Taylor, Boney James, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Craig Chaquico, Bona Fide, Down to the Bone, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Chick Corea, Thelonius Monk, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Elton John, The Beatles and countless others. Needless to say, I certainly have a variety of tastes in music.

Do you play any other instruments besides keyboards?

No. When I was a teenager my mother tried to teach me to play the violin, as she was an accomplished violinist, but it was an exercise in futility. Around the same time, I tried to learn the guitar. After several months of frustration, I returned to my first love, the keyboards.

Favorite non-music past time?

Partaking in what you call the "smooth jazz lifestyle" which could include walking along the beach, enjoying a glass of wine or enjoying an evening out with my wife. Of course, this means listening to a lot of great smooth jazz, which is the essential soundtrack to the above mentioned lifestyle.