I began playing guitar around 3 being heavily influenced by my Uncle and Grandmother who were talented musicians in their own right..As I grew up I followed Country,Blues and Southern Rock influences and then progressed to Metal and Neo- Classical influenced playing. After touching a guitar I knew it was the instrument for me. Nothing like it spiritually and musically.

Might not be the rockers pick, but it was at a fair with Ronnie Milsap, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton with Wendy Holcomb.. Classic country and my mother went out with Ronnie Milsap's guitar player. Guess it was around 1975-76...Later on I went to see Lynyrd Skynyrd Kiss, Ozzy, Motley Crue, Warrant, and Ratt.... Just the sound of the power and the crowds reaction... Guess I'm an attention junkie... I can remember the looks, smells and sounds still yet..

I was referred by another guitarist friend of mine named Skip Gosnell. In this site I would just like to see what other musicians are doing and the new creative processes of others. I love to see younger people actually playing an instrument instead of being a DJ.. I believe a band should be a band with talented players showing what they can do.

I have used many Ibanez and Fender guitars as well as some lesser known brands. I currently use a Spectre(Washburn), Ibanez Gio, and Behringer. I use a Peavey Vampire studio amp, Behringer studio amp and a Carvin 212. I used to have a Digitech GNX-4 pedalboard, but now use a Digitech GNX 1 and my go to board is a Zoom G5n. I play Ovation and Takamine acoustic/electrics and also use Yamaha, Roland and Korg keyboards. I am always evolving and so does my gear. Simplicity is key.

Rickey Medlocke is my all time go to guitar guy.. I heard Blackfoot for the first time and I was in awe.. And all involved the Southern Rock circuit are extremely talented musicians such as Hughie Thomasson from The Outlaws/Skynyrd.(.RIP) Rickey of course being in Skynyrd too. I also was hugely influenced by Gary Moore and Yngwie Malmsteen... And of course Ace Frehley... But my biggest influence will always be Rickey Medlocke.. Hes a keep it simple kinda guy.. He can play like hell without overplaying the instrument and effects are a minimum. All the real effects come from your hands. Zakk Wylde is a great example of this in today's metal genre, but he too has Southern Rock roots. I just like simple in your face guitar playing. But I can appreciate those who use a lot of effects as well. Music is an open book to be written by many authors.

I have been in many bands from High School to around 2006. I was playing clubs under aged in W.Va in the 80's.. Used to bail out the back to keep from getting caught. Played with Front Page in W.Va, Blessed Knights, Hitz Band, and Strutter in SC, Sandstorm, ATZ, Sons of Dust,Silent Hero, Outlaw Dixie Band, and Lefty in Florida and did sit ins with other bands to include Stranger, Damn the Torpedoes,Big Brother,Wise Guy,Bleeding Hearts, The Warren Brothers, Roxx Gang Jon Oliva's Pain, XYZ and solo work.as Blackie Beverly...Played mostly top 40/hair metal but had some opportunities to be a more detailed shredder..I used to play the Thoroughbred Guitar shows in Clearwater where I met Ace Frehley, Tim Kelly, Andy Timmons, Vinnie Moore, and Al Pitrelli...I also played Killians Rock Cafe in Ybor City FL and opened for Yngwie Malmsteen and for Lynch Mob,and Warrant and Jannus Landing....After relocating to South Carolina I met Chris McClerndon of Saigon Kick, Eddie Bush who I had known some years earlier, Darius Rucker, Skip Gosnell,and the Marshall Tucker Band

Rickey Medlocke... He is just an icon to me both from our shared Native American Heritage to our love of Southern Rock. A he is a real person.. No Hollywood BS.. Just pure truth take it or leave it musican. A close second would be Kris Kristofferson... Another straight forward songwriter of more than iconic proportions. The outlaw life may not be well received, but it is well lived. Hard truth, free spirit, and great music that stands the test of time.. LEGACY

Zephyr Hills Florida.. Livestock Concert around 30,000 people... Smallest was playing for a girls affections..LOL My most memorable performance was playing a guitar called Abel Axe made from nickel at The Thoroughbred Guitar Show in Clearwater for Tim Kelly (Slaughter/RIP) while he went to bathroom and having Andy Timmons who had done a clinic across from me and Tim Kelly both praise my abilities . I also had a great moment with Al Pitrelli (Alice Cooper/Savatage/Widowmaker/Megadeth and Trans-Siberian Orchestra).. He did a clinic at Paragon Music in Pinellas Park Fl and he introduced me to his manager who I again saw at the above mention guitar show.. Small circles.. Was a great time...

Randy Rhoads Tribute Album. I first heard it when it was issued as a double album when they still made vinyl records.. I guess around 86-87? It is just a glimpse of where guitar was headed in the 80's and he had set the bar with undeniable talent and flair; As with Hendrix he was the style of progression everyone in the 80's was headed toward. Leaving a great catalog of music in a short span of time that he was here. Gone too soon.