Jeff:

I wanted to jump into the page & explore your musical creations days ago, but only just found the time tonight. I think you have a lot going for you musically--whether it's instinct or training or what they call "having an ear."

I think you are making your songs like a visual artist would--trying out very different things each time, which makes for a nice mix of textures. One of the things I dislike about most albums is the "sameness" of the tracks. Once you've heard one track, you've heard them all . . . that kind of thing. You make every track a different ride, like being at the fun park.

The vocals . . . well, you won't be winning American Idol any time soon--but I'm not trying to be rude by saying it. I have heard many, many recording artists whose vocals did not inspire me to pen fan letters, to say the least. And I feel a twinge of terrible-me-ness in critiquing vocals anyway, since it can be such a tender spot to hit people who are just trying to have fun with music . . . I hope you'll take it in the spirit it is meant. The vocals are sometimes rough.

As far as influences go . . . you may be the first person I've listened to in the 'net who has claimed Kevin Gilbert as an influence, in whose work I felt I could actually hear that influence. You are experimenting, which is a way of paying attention to the way you play . . . and I think that's the way KG approached things. I didn't know the dude, can't speak for him, but what I've read makes me think he'd approve. For example, one interview has him saying (about Toy Matinee) "We're doing our thing in the hope that it will inspire other people to do their thing."

Herring405

Most of all, let me say, you've inspired me to save up for a Mac!!!! Damn Vista!!!! Dammit all to hell!!!!!!!!!!!

:)