I grew up in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where I was lucky enough to attend a school that took music seriously. We had instruments, uniforms, good teachers, and a band program that gave kids like me a place to begin.

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My beginning was not exactly glorious. I started on trombone (which I was horrible at) then moved to tuba. At the same time, my band director came to the house to give me piano lessons. While I was supposed to be working through the proper exercises, my mind wandered. I started finding chords, humming melodies, and making up words. That was really the beginning of songwriting for me.

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Bass came next because some friends needed a bass player for a high-school talent show. I got an instrument, joined the band, watched the guitar player’s hands, and figured it out as we went. That little group became Aspen, and we played firehouses, school dances, block parties, basically anywhere that would have us. The bug had officially bitten.

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After a year at Susquehanna University, I transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston. I played jazz, rock, upright bass, keyboards, and whatever else helped move the music forward. I became part of the Boston original-music scene through bands including Jinx, Athens, and Sight Unseen.

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In 1987, I auditioned for Aerosmith and was fortunate enough to tour as a sideman on keyboards and background vocals during the Permanent Vacation comeback tour. An unforgettable education in rock and roll energy.

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New York City, studio work, more bands, songwriting, and even 25 years working on boats followed. Through all of it, I never stopped playing. In fact, I probably performed for more people on boats than I ever would have chasing club dates in New York.

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The instruments and locations have changed, but the heart of it has not. I am still a songwriter, singer, and musician—and still happiest when good people get together and make some noise.