When I was a little guy, my dad would sit around the kitchen table after supper playing guitar and singing for my mom while doing dishes. I asked my dad (who learned from his dad) to teach me how to play. I learned how to play on my dad's very cool old Gibson acoustic that he bought in a pawn shop back in the 50's. Our neighbor gave me an old Stella acoustic that was a bear to play, so I would always ask my dad if could play that big Gibson. Our family would go to South Carolina every summer to see relatives. I always looked forward to that trip as my dad and uncle would get together and play music. My cousin could play drums and we got to stay up pretty late and play along with 'em, mostly old Bakersfield music (pretty neat stuff when you're a young kid). My dad and late grandpa are my heroes.
I bought a Yamaha acoustic guitar and messed around with it for awhile, but muscle cars had become my passion. Not too many years later, I met my wife and started a family. All the while that acoustic was in the closet just hangin' out. I'd pull it out every now and then, but my family, work and smallmouth bass fishing took up my time.
I had a kind of mid-life crisis and decided I wanted a Fender Stratocaster and an amp. So, I went to Richmond Music, figured out what I wanted and signed up for some guitar lessons. Not long after that, I started playing rhythm guitar in my church's praise band. After a few years, the bass player in the band decided to move on and we were without a bass player. I offered to fill that gap, so I picked up a Fender Jazz bass and a bass amp and self-taught myself. I have come to the conclusion that bass guitar is where it's at for me...love it. I, like Barry, also suffer from Gear Acquire Syndrome (GAS).
I have known the Kirb-Dawg since high school. He knew I played guitar and had started playing bass. I knew he played drums and that along with Bruce and Barry, they had started the RNPP. I went to see them play and was blown away by their talent, and Nichol's vocals (OMG!) she can sing. The other thing that struck me was the different genres of music that they would play and the vocal harmonies, very refreshing mix.
I am the newest and oldest member of the band. I feel very fortunate to be able to play with this great and talented group. They're all super cool and fun to hang with. Come out, watch us play and you'll see what I mean. Thanks for taking the time to read.