Hi. Being a musician, I have a broad range of musical interests. During the 60's, my brother being a guitarist, lead my early intrests in a rock direction. Banging on the furniture kind of upset my mother, so I received a (cheap) drumset for my 13th. birthday. This was a great way to start, as within my first year we were playing at parties. People realy liked what we were doing. That was the 60's, could they have been stoned? Having completely worn out the Jap drumset, I replaced them with a beautiful 5 piece set of Gretsch drums and Zildjian cymbals in the 70's. Also, our musical interests had changed somewhat. We were leaning towards country rock. The mix of rock and country rock seemed to please larger, more diversified crowds. When we started playing clubs in the late 70's, we had also incorporated many pure country tunes into our sets. Now we were satisfying stoners, rockers, hippies, and shitkickers. Mid 80's we had disoleved the existing band, as my brother had moved out of state. I continued to roadie for another band that I had been roadying for, since the mid 70's. They were also a rock, country mix. I was also called upon to record with them. During that time, I had developed a keen ear for country music. The real stuff, not that bubble gum wanna-be crap. I also was appreciative of the refind blugrass styles. Late 80's I had rejoined by brothers accompanyment, having had enough with the rat race and moving out of Los Angeles. Now in Washington (state), I was around many musicians who were into blues. Yet another style to add to my abilities, and enjoyment. To sum it up, I would have to say that in 35 years of musical interaction, my musical preferences are diversified. I don't realy have a favorite, though some of the greats, in my mind, are Cream, Merle Haggard, Rolling Stones, Ricky Skaggs, Greatful Dead, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival, George Jones, Steppenwolf, Otis Redding, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Buddy Guy, Conway Twitty, BB King, Eric Clapton, Flatt and Scruggs, Hank Williams, The Doors, and so on. You get the picture. Though I never realy got into 80's pop and heavy metal, they do have there merit. I don't consider rap to be music, or even an artform. As for classical, it has it's place. (In elevators). Gospel's good in church. Mariachi goes well with Cuervo, and Corona's. Lots of Coronas. New age, I'm not there yet. Latin makes me want to dance, and wish I could, as I never got the chance sitting behind the drums, so I just tap my foot and bob my head. Oh! Did I mention Marshal Tucker, George Straight, Jimmy Hendrix, Sons of the Pioneers, Iron Butterfly, and Patsy Cline? Music is a great way for someone else to express yourself.( You can quote me on that.) Whatever you listen to, or make, you've just got to love it. It's part of you. I now own a 9 piece set of early 70's vintage Ludwig Vistalite drums complete with early 70's vintage Atlas stands, 7 Paiste cymbals (most 70's vintage), Gibraltar double pedals, L.P. cowbells, and other goodies. A very versitle set, as I can make many arrangements with this large of a set. Also, I have a much more managable Roland TD6 electronic drumset, for practice, that's like having a bazillion instruments. Over the years I've aquired a couple of accustic guitars, though I know only a handfull of chords, I can play 100's of country songs. I have also writen a few realy good tunes. (Not yet availabe, though some lyrics can be viewed by searching michael bessette Sr. at www.poetry.com) I'm keeping time, at a local "Can Jam" food bank benefit, in the picture that I have provided. Several professional blues bands participated. We raised hundreds of dollars, and a half ton of food items. It's nice to use your God given talent, and be able to give something back. (I've used their services in hard times. Thank you Lord.) Until we meet. Mike