My mother was really into big band. It was played in the house all the time.

For some reason, the concept of writing with swing chords was intimidating.

Aledo will always be home to me because I spent the first 27 years of my life there - it's such a special place - and because of the experiences I had there, I've become the person I am today.

I think it's going to take my whole life to sort of get people to know what my perspective is.

The large venue gives me the thrill that comes from the power in numbers.

I made a Christmas album a couple of years ago and just put it out on my Web site. It kind of smacked of this flavor. All of the reviews said it was Western swing even when it was Christmas standards.

I love decorating my home. I'm a gardener too, so that's usually something I have to play catch up with