I started figuring out melodies by ear, on the piano (according to my mother) at age four. I began to get serious about developing my skills on drums and bass at about ten years of age. Started school band in 5th grade on saxophone and continued through my senior year winning numerous awards and honors at region and state levels. My first paying gig was playing bass at a pageant at age fourteen, which was also around the time I started playing guitar. I spent most of the eighties playing lead guitar for various rock bands. Most recently, I spent two years playing with the Sons of Britches show at the Little Opry Theater in Branson, Missouri.

Thin Lizzy in July of 1979 at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Guitars:
Ibanez RG321
Epiphone G-400
Fender CG7 Classical
B.C. Rich BCR3 Acou/Elec

Guitar Amp:
Crate G120C-XL Stereo-Chorus

Effects Pedals:
Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion
Boss CH-1 Stereo Chorus
Boss DD-6 Stereo Delay

Basses:
Jackson JS2 Concert Bass
Squier Classic Vibe 70s Precision
Squier Custom Modified 70s Jazz
Epiphone EB-3

Bass Amp:
1978 Peavey Mark III 400 series
Peavey 4x10 cabinet

Tama Imperialstar (5-Piece)
Meinl and additional Sabian cymbals

Yamaha recorders (Sopranino, soprano, alto and tenor)
1974 Buffet tenor saxophone
Florea cello
Rogue mandolin

This could be a really awesome site for bringing like-minded musicians together. The biggest problem seems to be that there are plenty of people using this site, (and other sites like it) but few serious musicians and even fewer that are above amateur skill level.

My primary instrument of choice during my early teens was bass guitar, so I tended to be drawn toward bands with exceptional bassists like, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Rush. Probably my biggest influence overall was Thin Lizzy. Twin, harmony lead guitars have always been my biggest turn-on.

I have been playing music professionally for almost 40 years and have performed in a diverse range of genres. My experience includes; cover bands, (from Heavy Metal to Bluegrass) studio musician, orchestra, renaissance festivals, community theater, weddings, funerals and praise/worship. Most recently, I spent two years playing with the Sons of Britches show at the Little Opry Theater in Branson, Missouri.

I teach guitar, bass guitar, drums, recorder and saxophone privately and in classroom format. I also play mandolin/mandola, bouzouki, cello and some piano.

My links:
http://kevin-stafford.weebly.com/
https://www.gigsalad.com/kevin_stafford_branson
http://www.bandmix.com/kevin_stafford/
https://www.facebook.com/kevinguitarstafford
https://twitter.com/kevinstaff0rd
https://www.pinterest.com/StaffordKevin/

The first albums that come to mind are; Black Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell" or "Mob Rules." Not sure which I'd choose.