One of the places we played in the US was Portland, Oregon. On my first trip to the US I had met, through Arlo, another well-known songwriter, Hoyt Axton and Hoyt often used to tell me that I should goDetails

When I had returned from the US I started playing around folk clubs and Irish music pubs in England, Ireland and other parts of Europe, at first with a group called “Lazy Reel” with Tom Madden and Chris Andretti. WhenDetails

Through Arlo I met many musicians, but more importantly, I had the chance to see them work. They inspired me to devote my life to playing music. One of my first “Professional Engagements” (I had to sign a contract!) wasDetails

I started paying attention to some of the music that was being talked about by my schoolmates and became very interested in Blues, Ska, R&B and then I heard about Bob Dylan. There was a great deal made of hisDetails

When I was a teenager (about 13 or 14) I started going to music pubs regularly, once or twice a week, usually with my parents or other friends of the family, to hear the sessions and maybe even join in!Details

Jessie Christopherson was giving me Violin lessons and at the same time I was learning about the Fiddle at home from my parents’ record collection and from family friends. Most of the musicians I was hearing at home played ‘byDetails

I started playing the fiddle when I was seven or eight years of age. My parents decided to send me to a music teacher for formal lessons rather than wait to see if I had either the skill or desireDetails