Contributing Musicians

Several musicians have contributed to my projects including:

Jeff Walden
Jeff is a remarkably talented studio musician. He has contributed solos and musical fragments to many of my songs. To better appreciate his musical center, his talent on numerous instruments, and his skills in the studio, check out this medley of themes from Premiata Forneria Marconi, most often referred to as PFM. Jeff meticulously captured the body of work of this obscure Italian progressive rock band. It's simply incredible.  Dennis Perkins faithfully reproduced the vocal parts. I shake my head in disbelief when I think of three teenagers in rural Iowa intensely listening to progressive Italian rock while classmates were driving around listening to Bachman Turner Overdrive. Walden Medley of PFM

Dennis Perkins
Dennis is one of the smartest people I know and I am very fortunate to count him as one of my best friends. We have just recently started collaborating. He wrote the lyrics to Free From the Fall on the Your Eyes CD. Dennis is also an editor for Woodsmith Magazine and a master woodworker. Check out this photo of a handcrafted music stand Dennis designed and built. PerkinsMusic
Look for opportunties to buy handcrafted music-related items in my online store in the near future.

Amy Golackson
Amy has always answered the call when I need another voice for one of my tracks. She also has a wickedly cool sense of humor. On the side she graces the stage as one member of the Liquid Ladies.

Dick Howard
Dick is a lifelong friend with amazing skills on the keys. We also enjoy an affinity for Guiness Beer and lofty conversations about where financial markets are headed.

Tom Nelson
Tom can make his guitar weep with emotion. We only recently collaborated for the first time but I look forward to working on some new tracks in the future. 

My Top Five

A friend recently asked me to list my top five musical influences. Cheese 'n' rice that's tough. So many artists have etched their ideas on the walls inside my head. Subject to change, here is my list:

Gentle Giant
I spent endless hours listening to the musical gymnastics of these prog-rock geniuses. And I credit Jeff Walden for helping me "acquire the taste." Check out a cover version of Proclamation from Gentle Giant's Power & the Glory CD that Jeff and I recently completed. Proclamation

Collective Soul
I often get feedback that some of my material would fit nicely on a Collective Soul CD. I greatly admire the way they can kick you in the teeth on one song and then follow up with something so measured, so nuanced.

Jude Cole
An incredibly talented songwriter, Cole stretched the boundaries of conventional songwriting. He has that smoky voice that works perfectly with a classic tube amplified, fat strat sound. He is also one hell of a singer. It's a plus that he is from the heartland and started out just down the road from me.

Tower of Power
I just can't see these guys too many times. So tight. So soulful. So funky. If you want to feel what a good groove is all about, put the phones on and spin a TOP CD. 






Kevin Gilbert
He could do it all at such an incredibly advanced level. He was a remarkable singer, songwriter, player, lyricist, engineer, and producer. I mourn his death every May 18th. In his 29 years he created an astonishing catalogue of material.

I adapted a version of KG's Song for a Dead Friend to honor my brother Don who, like Kevin, left this earth with so much more to give. If you would like to listen to it, click this link:
Brother Don My Friend

I wrote a song, The Dali Principle, as a tribute to one of Gilbert's songs, Turn It On Salvador. Click this link to audition this track: The Dali Principle