Give us your life background and how you think that influenced your career?
I was born in West TN. but grew up in Madisonville, in Western KY.  It is a small (and weird) town.  I think that it has kept me in touch with those "down to earth" themes, but it also influenced me by making me want to get out....

What was your first big moment in your musical career?
I opened for Steve Earle when I was seventeen; that was pretty cool.

Do you write your own music?
Yes.

 What aspect of making music excites you the most?
 I love playing live for crowds that like to pay attention to what I'm playing.  I also still love the occasional late and loud night in a dive bar.

 What are you up to right now, music-wise?
I am just finishing up the mixing of a new album; it has an acoustic feel to it--most of the songs feature mandolin, accordion.  There's not much electric guitar...My new group features Philip Wakeman on mandolin and vox, Brigid Kaelin on accordion and vox, and Randy Arnold on bass.  I am going to open for Todd Snider at St. Francis in the highlands on March 1st, and we have a few other dates (available on my myspace page)
I am also still lucky enough to be in Tim Krekel's band; we just taped a World Cafe Live segment that will air on Feb. 28. 

What is the piece of work you are the most proud of?
I am proud of both albums that I have recorded.  I tried to make sure there wasn't much filler--that all the songs held up.  I guess I'm not the best judge of that...

Who is your favorite new artist and why?
Hard to say; I don't listen to that much new music. I know I should, but sometimes I get stuck in a rut listening to the same people.
 
 Who is your favorite all-time artist?
 I'd have to say some of the usual people--Dylan, Van Morrison, but I also am a huge fan of Los Lobos and Joe Henry.

Any superstitions or routines you follow before performing?
Not really--maybe having a little bourbon...
 
 What inspires you?
A little bit of everything.  My wife and daughter, the kids I teach at school.  Things going on in the world (both good and bad).  I sometimes think of a phrase based on a really simple thing that happens, and then run with it.

Tell us something about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I really like Kanye West's music.   I consider fruit a dessert...

Describe in your words why you think Louisville is a great city for regional music: 

We get some good acts that come through.  You can still get people to come out and hear you under the right circumstances. 

What is your favorite thing about Louisville?

I love the neighborhoods, and the parks, and just the liveability (is that a word?) of the city in general.....