“I have always loved music.” This was the opening sentence in my application letter to Guitar Craft - I had seen the League of Crafty Guitarists perform the Sunday prior at Gaston Hall at Georgetown University. There was a presence there that drew me to Guitar Craft and this has been an active part of my life since.

Not long before that, I had returned to the guitar after a long hiatus, under the influence of a concert by Elliot Fisk and Manual Barrueco. Much listening, lessons and regular practice followed. During this time I read of Guitar Craft, and thought that this process with a guitarist of Robert Fripp’s stature would be way beyond my abilities. It was, but I was to find out that there is a place in GC for players of all levels.

I went to my first GC course in January of 1989. The approach and discipline of GC was and is not easy, yet through practice I was reaping the fruits. The frequent challenge of composing original music for performance during a course was thoroughly intimidating and through continued application has led me to the release of Scattered Hearts.

Along the way I performed with fellow Crafties Joan Bull, Steve Geest, and Peter Legowski in a guitar quartet called “oDD CamP.” Many gigs in the Washington/Baltimore area were full of musical growth and illuminating of the musical process. A cassette release called Here We Are was my introduction to the recording process.

Later, Steve, Peter, and I formed the Solaris Guitar Trio. My musical development flourished during this time and we had many wonderful gigs. During the later years of Solaris, Steve and I formed a duo we called “FingerPaint,” which consisted of guitars, multiple looping devices, effects, and synthesizers. FingerPaint’s first release was a cassette tape, Enormous Swirling Sound, described by one reviewer “as the sounds of tectonic plates sliding over one another.” Then Primary Colors: Blue and In the Loop were released. Both were reviewed extensively in magazines and web sites that covered ambient music, with airplay on stations throughout the US and Europe.

After FingerPaint I began working with “The Field,” an organization which supports artists in developing their artwork in community with other artists. I enjoyed working with people from other disciplines, particularly the dance world, and being enveloped in their creative energies. I was working with electronic music and free improv, bringing in works on CD for feedback, but eight days prior to a 10-week Field program in late 2003 I wanted to play something live again. Years had passed since I regularly played my acoustic guitar. I picked up my Ovation and relished the vibrations of the instrument against my chest.

Suddenly, while thinking of my niece, Michelle Malone, who had recently passed away, a tremolo piece began to emerge. I played this new piece, Aftermath, at The Field and was born as a solo acoustic guitarist. By the end of the 10 weeks two other pieces had emerged. All three were performed in the Works in Progress showing which completes The Field. My performance was dedicated to Michelle.

Slowly I continued to develop a solo repertoire. Musical explorations coupled with performing these pieces with the Field and others allowed these works to blossom. On my first Guitar Craft course, my friend Tom Redmond, told me that answers would come through the guitar. Very clever words at the time, but now I know that answers have come through the guitar. My life is richer and happier, and hopefully may enrich others. My work as a solo guitarist has continued to challenge, educate, and enlighten me.

The recording of Scattered Hearts under the guidance of Tony Geballe was an adventure. Tony brought a depth of understanding, a love of music, and the patience of a saint to the process. The notion of this CD would still be a dream without the supreme dedication he bestowed upon this project.

As always, my loving wife, Joann Malone was with me all the way. She believed in this project before I ever believed in myself. This is her success as much as any one else involved in this recording.

So while Scattered Hearts is a solo guitar recording, it is the fruit of many people’s efforts. May this music nourish you as it has nourished us.