This is where you can find a bit about the music that motivates me, the companies whose products I use and endorse, and maybe a surprise or two.
Music
Lee Roy Parnell
I begin and end with Lee Roy Parnell. He's been a great friend, my slide guitar teacher and mentor. He's one of those guys who has so much going for him it's just not fair. He can sing, he can pick and he can write. I owe him so much and he asks for nothing.
Delbert McClinton
You can't really talk about Lee Roy (or many others in Texas music) without mentioning Delbert McClinton. Delbert is the guy who figured out how to meld Country, the Blues, Rock and Roll and R&B into one stew that's tasty, tight, always in the pocket and always leaves you wanting more. He's been kind to me on several occasions and it's always a thrill to share a stage with him.
Paul Thorn
Paul Thorn is my favorite singer-songwriter these days. Paul has such a uniquely southern way of looking at things, yet as the son of a Pentecostal Preacher, he understands the need for music to always lift the spirit. If you're looking for someone to help you rise up out of your blues, Paul Thorn will deliver. His band members are all friends of mine.
Gear
Short list because I'm really kind of done buying gear but here are a few things I use and endorse.
Fender Japan
In my opinion, the makers of the best "vintage -style" Fender guitars. They really are faithful to the originals in terms of bodies and necks. All the guitar parts on the record I made last year were played on these guitars. I've played a lot of great vintage pieces and these are the best Strat and Tele I've ever played, bar none.
Hullett Amps
Clay Hullett is the son of Bill Hullett, a Nashville session musician. Clay's been building amps for 12 years and whether you want a traditional Tweed-style amp or some sort of exotic hybrid, Clay will build them with a lot of love and care, and they sound phenomenal. I've had my Clay Hullett Deluxe (5E3) for 11 years and it's going as strong and sounding as great as the day I bought it. There are a lot of choices when it comes to amp-buying these days but Clay is the best of them and he's great to work with. If you're looking for that '50s Tweed sound, Clay is your guy.
Curt Mangan Strings
Curt Mangan makes the best strings I've ever used. They last a bar gig and a couple of practices and that's a lot of the way I play. I tend to hammer the strings pretty hard. A lot of my Nashville pals are now endorsing them. Curt gave me my first endorsement deal and he didn't have to. He's a good bud and his strings are simply the best.