Backstage at the Wiltern Theater with Brian Wilson. One of the first concerts I ever went to — circa 1962 — starred The Beach Boys. I sat in the second row! It was an honor to meet the guy who was the heart and soul of the band.
Toni Stern, with whom I learned so much about songwriting. We’re at Book Soup in LA, where she signed copies of her latest collection of poetry.
Birthday time with my dear friend and Grammy-winning collaborator, Shandi Sinnamon.
With Charles Bernstein, a long-time friend and film composer who has favored me with many movie soundtrack gigs.
My first LA music job, a two-year stint at Disneyland in a band fronted by Phil “Fang” Volk of Paul Revere and the Raiders. That’s me in the center of the back row, behind the massive mustache.
Lawrence Juber, former Paul McCartney sideman and one of the most tasteful and accomplished guitar players of our time. I recently bought one of his signature-edition Martin guitars. It’s fabulous.
At a seminar given by Tommy Emmanuel. Many call him the best fingerpicking guitarist in the world. Others favor his buddy Lawrence Juber, another master whom I’ve met along the way, and a great guy.
A pair of frequent collaborators: Tony Powers and Roger Larocque.
Billy Gibbons is extremely fun to know and hang with. His touch on blues guitar is amazingly nuanced.
Backing Carlene Carter has been a tremendous highlight. Johnny Cash was her stepdad, and the way I figure it, he married up when June Carter, Carlene’s mom, said “I do.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 15: Singer Carlene Carter (L) and musician Peter Andrews pose before The Drop: Carlene Carter at The GRAMMY Museum on April 15, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage) *** Local Caption *** Carlene Carter; Peter Andrews
Picking mandolin with Carlene Carter, one of America’s greatest singers, and heiress to the amazing Carter Family tradition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysxedOuVmw0
A songwriting session with actor/singer Heather Stewart.
Golfing buddy and creative partner David Peckinpah, a producer who favored me with many soundtrack opportunities.
With my first Martin D-45, and fresh out of my composition studies at UC Santa Barbara. Happy to say, I’ve since owned three more of these legendary guitars.
Second from right, playing a Gibson Firebird (and I’ve still got it today) with my junior high-era surf-rock band.
Backstage at a summer festival, touring with a group called Sonoma. We opened nationwide for Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Backstage at the Wiltern Theater with Nancy Boy, circa 1994. From left to right, Jason Nesmith, Nigel Mogg, me, Donovan Leitch, Mike Williams
Laurel Canyon days, in front of a little vintage hunting cabin, my home for twenty years.
Bob Merlis, dean of music biz publicists, me, the great Billy Gibbons, and Tom Vickers.
On tour with Steve Meckfessel, a bandmate from high school now making his mark as a singer/songwriter.
Setting up at The Coffee Gallery for a gig with singer Coco Dolenz.
At Musso & Frank’s, the deeply vintage Hollywood restaurant with Erica Farber, President and CEO of Radio Advertising Bureau, and Terry Trotter, one of LA’s most respected jazz pianists.
With Norik Renson, the best and the busiest of all luthiers in LA. He keeps all my instruments in top playing condition.
Pete Thomas, Tammy Lang (a.k.a.Tammy Faye Starlite) and me after a performance at Bob Merlis’s big “70” B-day bash.
Alex Jules, Micky Dolenz and Coco Dolenz, me and Christena Rich after a show. https://youtu.be/gmUTijBqSRE
With long-time pal, Keith Allison, of Paul Revere and the Raiders
Steve Fister is one of my favorite people to jam with. He’s a great guitar player and our different styles feed each other’s thirst to advance our creativity on the fretboard.
Two of my guitar pickin’ buddies – L-R – Friend and mentor, Peter Butterfield, author, Byron Laursen and me.
OMBD (Old Man Dinner Band) L-R Pete Thomas, Randy Poe and Harvey Shield and me.
With Santa Barbara luthier extraordinaire, Jim Lombard.
Pete Thomas, Jim Bessman (music journalist for Billboard and other trades) and me.
Tammy Faye and band perform Nico: Chelsea Mädchen in Palm Springs during Modernism Week L-R Craig Hoek, Alex Burke, Ben Edge, me, Tammy Faye, Pete Thomas and Lisa Germano.
With Harvey Shield during rehearsal for the Old Man Dinner Band