I am a Solo Mandolinist. Influences range from Classical to Rock and almost everything in between. Jazz is currently the biggest influence.
I've been playing mandolin for 3 years, and bass and drums before that.
Yes, I play live. Being solo is a challenge sometimes but worth it.
I'm influenced by Chris Thile of Nickel Creek,Mike Marshall, David Grisman, Jethro Burns,Don Stiernburg as well as others, but I try to keep my music mine and am still in process of creating my own voice on the mandolin.
Mandolins a couple of mikes and my computer.
Mandolins are overhiped as bluegrass instruments and few know about it's possibilies as a jazz instrument.