“Over the last few years I’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with some old friends and contribute to various song writing and recording projects. This most recent project involves two of my favorite things, playing guitar and working with bassist Nolan Ayres.
Nolan is one of my oldest friends, an incredible bass player and without a doubt, the funniest person I know. He’s a real “feel” player and extremely creative when coming up with bass parts. It’s always exciting to get demos back from him to see what he’s come up with. His bass parts and playing bring excitement and unpredictability to these instrumentals.
Inspired by bands like Rush, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden I began playing guitar in my mid teens. That interest, along with the influences of such guitarists as Michael Schenker and Randy Rhoads, led me to study music in college. While in college I had my first exposure to jazz and classical music while studying guitar with Charles Truitt who was instrumental in my development as a musician. I also met two people who had a huge impact on me. Bill Degillio who currently lives in Los Angeles, CA and Ed Collins who now lives in Indianapolis, IN. Bill is a talented jazz guitarist, musician and teacher. He is the type of musician who “hears” things that most of us don’t and was always a resource when questions would pop up like “So what chord is that?” Ed is simply the best drummer I know. Not only is he an amazing drummer but he plays a number of instruments, sings, writes, records and produces all with a remarkable degree of proficiency. Ed’s the type of musician who raises your level of playing when you’re working with him.
This current project gives me the opportunity to revisit the style of music that inspired and continues to inspire me to play guitar. It’s also an opportunity to apply what I learned from my peers and through my experiences. My perspective on music is best summed up from a quote by jazz great Charlie Parker, “Learn everything, forget it and play.” I look forward to expanding on this and other projects and hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoy creating and playing.”
Walt Kosar
When I was in high school, I listened to Dylan. When you were in high school, you listened to some incredible shit! Love your playing. Love your new site!
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