The Beatles, John Gorka, Ellis Paul, Patty Larkin, Bruce Cockburn, Susan Werner, Beethoven, Bach, Debussy, Thelonius Monk Joni Mitchell, Sting, Mississippi John Hurt.
Hey there--
Slowly but surely, I'm getting this MySpace site together. There's still more info at my website (www.wallylawder.com) but this is coming along. Thanks for visiting! --Wally ................................................................ (Here's some bio information adapted from my website:)
I'm a singer-songwriter (isn't everybody?--but I really am). I'm originally from Kansas, but grew up in Connecticut and had 12 excellent years in the Princeton, NJ area before moving to Silver City, NM five years ago. Musically, I like to think of myself as a contemporary troubador. It's hard for me to categorize my music--I've had so many far ranging influences. My roots are as much in rock/pop as folk, and I've got a big appreciation for jazz and world music.
A musician for many years, I didn't start writing my own material until the mid 1990's, when I found myself energized by the contemporary singer-songwriter boom. I really took a liking to performers like John Gorka, Ellis Paul, Patty Larkin, Susan Werner, Bruce Cockburn. I could relate so much to their songwriting and was inspired to write my own.
Some of my earliest musical memories come from my exposure to the music that was played in my home as I was growing up: rockabilly, classical, jazz, early folk (It was a curious but fascinating mix, and I think it helped shape my eclectic style.) My real musical awakening came later with the Beatles, and that inspired me to buy my first guitar. Other early musical influences included Mississipi John Hurt, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, Jackson Browne and Paul Winter. Add some of the great classical composers--really: Beethoven, Bach, Debussy. Throw in some Gershwin. Hell, some broadway show tunes as well!
My songs mostly come from direct life experiences and observations. I like to think that I am a natural storyteller and do my best to draw audiences into my stories. I like to use humor yet touch serious topics, too (not too many other people have love & alzheimer's songs). While I sing about a wide spectrum of experience, overall my message is upbeat and life affirming. Live, I often play solo, or with my backing band, the Flying Coyotes.
