I'm named after my dad, who was a great singer. It was also my grandfather's name, who was a reknown songwriter (he wrote "You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You, and many others)...popularized by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, the Mills Bros., etc. They say talent skips a generation and in my case, that's certainly true for singing! As far as songwriting, well...I'll let you be the judge.

No. I'm pretty much a studio rat.

The impact of music distribution (and collaboration) via the internet is the most significant advance in music since the inception of the recording industry. Music has always been a fundamental method of communication. On the other side of the world tonight someone is alone in their basement recording their masterpiece ...and tomorrow, I'm going to listen to it via the internet. That is amazing.

Only as a songwriter.

I've been influenced by so many musicians it's hard to even know where to start. Jimi Hendrix, John Hiatt, Eric Clapton, John Prine, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Subdudes, Robert Johnson, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Douglas, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Warren Zevon...the list is endless.

My studio here in upstate NY.

Martin HD-28, Fender Stratocaster, Fender Resonator, Fender American Deluxe Tele, Takamine FD360SC, Takamine EF-385, Ibanez Soundgear bass, Deering Banjo, Washburn Mandolin, Korg MS2000, Korg Triton, Korg 05R/W, Sonar 5 and lots of other software and effects gear. Of all my instruments, the Martin and the Tele are amazing beyond description.