I must say that I have always been drawn to the sea with its promise of adventure and the romantic idea of sailing away to far off lands. This attraction was underlined by one of my early compositions called Sailing Away to Carnival Island, which I wrote for guitar and voices some years ago. I have also adapted it for solo guitar and playing it always makes me feel wistful and cheerful.

In fact, for me personally, that is what my music is all about. Keeping my audience and myself feeling cheerful and optimistic, plus adding a certain romantic 'tinge' to life that we all need at times. (Having also worked a lot for children for 15 years certainly stops you from getting too sombre and introspective about life and music!)

Of course, the guitar has its many moods. Played at its best it should lift the spirit, help you get things in perspective and hopefully give you that 'buzz' for getting on with things.

As a boy, the one thing I remember most about hearing my first great heroes (Manitas de Plata, Segovia, Blind Lemon Jefferson , Jimmy Hendrix, etc) was the sheer enthusiasm of their playing. And now I too am a grown up person doing similar stuff and I know it is a great gift and privilege to be able to entertain others (with fingers that can still get around) on such a beautiful instrument. But then I am an optimist.....!