Live at jan's Roadhouse
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Don's passion for music began at a young age,
listening to rock music on his small portable AM radio under the covers
at night, but his love for the guitar grew gradually. The only guitar
in the house was an acoustic belonging to his sister. "At that age, I
associated acoustic guitar with "Kumbaya", and I just wasn't
interested. I didn't know anyone who had an electric." His musical
career began in elementary school and continued through high school, as
he played trumpet and French horn in the school band, but pursuing a
musical lifestyle, took a back seat to college, a job, and his family.
That interest returned in a big way when he heard Stevie Ray Vaughan,
his first major guitar influence. His wife gave him his first and most
precious guitar, a white Squier Strat, for Christmas one year, and he
never looked back.
He grew up listening to country music in his
friends' garage. "We lived out there in the winter when it was too cold
to stay outside for long. My friend's dad had a radio dialed in to 1460
WOKO country, and we didn't change it because he'd kill us. I listened
to and learned to like Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, Crystal Gayle and
the other classic artists, especially Johnny Cash. "Playing guitar in a
country band is a dream come true for me," says Don. "Every time I play
I try to do my very best to serve the song - that's all that matters."
Don's biggest influence is the great guitar
player and teacher, NYC musician Matt Smith.
"To have had Matt as my teacher and mentor has given me an
irreplaceable foundation. I really can't say enough good things about
Matt. He's the most versatile guitar player I've ever heard he brings
the guitar and music to life. He's a master of every style, and has
impeccable musical taste. As if that were not enough, he understands
the theory behind his craft, and is such a great teacher he can
actually explain it to a lunk like me!"
Don's usual stage gear consists of the country
music-friendly Fender
Telecaster, in this case a Highway One modified to include reversed
switchgear, and Warmoth
pickguard and a DiMarzio Strat pickup in the neck position. He may also
be seen playing his cool Reverend
Slingshot custom or his beloved Strat. Amplification chores are handled
by a Mesa-Boogie
Lonestar Special and Fender amps.
"I love playing live, and when the band is tight
and the crowd is dancing and singing along, there's nothing better. Be
sure to come up and say hi. See ya'll out there!
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