“Tim
has a clear vision of what he wants his music to be. A soulful
stillness is inherent in his pieces and his playing brings it
out with confident and unhurried technique…”
-Dorian Michael, guitarist & author
Tim's earliest musical memories came from falling asleep as his
mother played records of The Kingston Trio, Sons of the Pioneers
and Jimmie Rodgers ("Kisses Sweeter Then Wine.”) Borrowing
an old steel string Stella guitar from a cousin, Tim began playing
at the age of nine, picking up songs and guitar licks from his
older siblings' musical friends.
Like many others that grew up in the sixties, his influences
also included the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Donovan and especially
the Doors. Tim says, "Although I never joined a band, I started
playing electric guitar and the music of the groups I loved at
the time.”
In the mid-seventies he first heard the music of Leo Kottke and
found himself intrigued by this raw acoustic fingerpicking. Not
long after that, Tim went to purchase tickets to a Paul Simon
show in Los Angeles. That show was sold out and so he purchased
tickets to see Leo Kottke at UCLA instead. Magic! Tim explains,
“Everything changed that night. I was completely enthralled
by his playing and the songs I heard.” Tim immediately began
exclusively playing acoustic guitar, exploring alternate tunings
and writing original compositions.
"I'll find a new tuning, start playing, and the songs seem
to immerge on their own. What's most important is the feeling
I get from the music. The tune may be very simple or quite complicated.
As long as I have an emotional connection to it, then I know I'm
on the right track."
Tim currently resides in San Luis Obispo, California with his
family where he continues to enjoy life, write, and play his music.
The eleven original instrumental compositions on "A Gathering
of Guides" are best described as melodic and reflective pieces
that evolved over the last 20 years from experiences and people
in Tim's life. "I had a number of songs from which to choose
to record, from early pieces like "Moonstone" to "Van
Tassell's Vision" which was written just before we completed
the CD".
The cover artwork on "A Gathering of Guides" pays homage
to four important figures that have made a strong impression and
helped guide Tim's musical journey. Represented by symbols that
have been associated with their careers, these "guides"
include Will Ackerman, John Fahey, Leo Kottke and Jim Morrison
of the Doors. Morrison, although not a guitarist, has been a musical
and creative influence. Tim adds, "It's from their foundation
which I build upon in hopes of connecting with people through
my own music." |