I grew up with guitar music, and I have always loved the guitar. My father plays, as did his father. And of course, there was always guitar music playing on the stereo. My mother is a very patient woman.

Most casual listeners don't realize how many ways there are to play a guitar. The playing style that has always grabbed me is called fingerstyle, in which the guitar player tries to create a full orchestration on the guitar: lead and rhythm, with bass and harmony, all at the same time.

This style was popularized by Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and many other great players, and it continues to grow and develop today. It's both compelling and fun to listen to, and it works with many kinds of music: blues, rock, jazz, country, alternative, gospel, folk, and more.

My music brings together several of these genres, because they all have something to give to each other. If you like labels on your music, I guess you'd file me under "folk and acoustic" music. Or maybe "acoustic jazz."

Or, better yet, forget about labels and just listen. You'll hear some American folk and traditional songs, some jazz standards, some acoustic blues, some Beatles. You won't hear any accompaniment tracks or drum machines, though; all music is performed live.

It's kinda mellow but it has a beat. It goes well with coffee. Joe Bob says "Check it out."