FAMILY

My musical journey started at home. I recall my mother’s voice as she sang all day around the house. We had an upright piano and my oldest brother’s B2 organ in the living room. At one time, my other brother’s drum set was alongside the organ. Dad played the clarinet and the five of us would often play and sing songs together. Though I took it for granted at the time, I grew to realize that our family bond shared through music was rare. Though we could all read music to a limited degree, our home was a place where we just listened to a variety of music together and figured out the rhythms, melodies, and chords by ear. Mom’s brothers played piano and organ as well, and the music was a given when visiting them. Words cannot express the deep appreciation for my parents’ and brothers’ constant encouragement while learning to play the trumpet and the piano.

After graduating from college with a music degree, I convinced my new wife to move to Nashville. She has been and continues to be my source of inspiration, motivation, and joy. Our relationship only grows stronger everyday and I thank God for her. I am so thankful for the sacrifices that she has made to give me the opportunity to pursue and realize my dreams.

We have four grown children and a growing brood of grandchildren. I am so proud of each of them and so thankful for their willingness to share in my joy and enthusiasm making music.

Transit Album Credits and Thanks

Much appreciation to Pat McGrath for the evocative acoustic guitar parts on Sea’s Beautiful Daughters and the rhythm acoustic on Longboard Lift, Jim Hoke for the creative sax and flute solos, the woodwind arrangements, and the parts doubling the keyboards on Circular Paths and Longboard Lift, Marky Mauve for the integral electric guitar rhythm parts and memorable lead guitar solo on Spotlight, and brothers Matt and Scott Wilson for the “spaced out” dialogue on Cylindricraft Flyby.

(JimmyGus performed and/or programmed all drums, hand percussion, virtual and live keyboard instruments, and vocals on the album.)

Additional thanks to Mark Pratico for lending his ears to the mixes and serving as my consultant in getting the album to the public. Mark also shot the album cover photo and Boutique Film Lab developed it. Much appreciation to Brent Arledge for tuning my Kimball upright piano. Many thanks to Bobbi Giel at Welcome to 1979 for her expertise when mastering the album. Thanks also to Anna Johnson and Wes Wilson for their continuing help with social media.

All pictures on the website were taken by JimmyGus or Donna W.