I've spent a lifetime building my DAW (digital audio workstation) studio shown above.  But lasting complications from cervical spine / disc replacement surgery parallelize my arms and upper torso for 6 months, 18 another months before I regained most usage.  However, I come to accept my love for music will last forever, but my ability to play or sing like I did before my surgery is gone forever.  Hard to accept, but thankful for the gift I once had.  You never know when you might lose it (boy, did I learn that one).

     My wife and neighbors have gotten some peace and quiet, however.  I have regained some ability to play and to speak.  But timing is off on those 1/64th note triplets.  Ha-ha !  So frustrating.  I'll keep trying, but there might be a big equipment gear sale if I give up.

     I've been playing as long as I can remember.  Got the music gene from the Nieto side of the family.  My Uncle Alfonso was a successful restaurateur and performer in LA, my Aunt Jo could play piano and cousin Vince played keys and guitar.  I've heard cousin  Rachel's kids have the gift too.  But I don't know them.  We all play by ear.  I can't tell you how many 45's and LP's that I literally wore out (could see through the grooves) perfecting the hottest rock and jazz fusion leads. 

     I dove right in to classic rock for 20y.  Lyrics began to sound stale, and "early" rap was the nail in the coffin for me. My move to  Dallas was my intro to electronic jazz, and I was hooked. My biz career moved me to Hot Lanta, where I met artists, some truly talented cats, so I started playing the scene.  Moving to Philly was a quantum leap, and again I met some artists and world class players. Which I consider friends and still keep in touch.  Throughout all this, I helped beta test MIDI for Jim Cooper, attended NAMM with my day job and working on my licks.  Sadly, I was so into fusion, that I failed to look into Philly's classic jazz scene.  A major regret.  I finally made it to NYC for some "Blue Note" time, and even saw Les Paul, Grusin, others.  But in Philly, I met an incredible guitarist / artist and his friends.  My friend Doug Markley's talent is recognized around the world and his many albums, CD's and online music over 30 yrs prove that.  I love his music (Philly Philet album), and his music has touched me.  With players like Andy Snitzer (Rolling Stones, Jeff Lorber Band,...), Ted Baker (Steely Dan, ...), Bill Butrin, Chris Jones, Steve Green, JImmy Gardino, Paul Deck, Chico, and a long list of East Cost players.   

    Most importantly, my daughters were raised with music all around them and they have double music genes.   My wife can play the keys, her father was the associate concert master of the Dallas Symphony, 1st violinist and local celeb for decades, and her brother is a competition pianist (and federal judge). I hope that my girls embrace and appreciate their genetic gift. 

Note:  the AVDS logo in top pic was my company, which i had to shut down as a result of my deteriorating health conditions.