Description
Guitar based instrumentals

Music style
Jazz, rock, fusion

Musical influences
Larry Coryell, Jerry Garcia, John Scofield, Scott Henderson

Group members
Sheldon Peterson - guitars, all instruments

Albums
Sheldon Peterson

Additional info
Sheldon is a member of the Erie jazz/fusion group - Potato Battery

Artist history
I started playing at age 14 when I discovered my cousin Bonnie's guitar lying unattended on her bed with a chord book. I figured the dots were where you put your fingers, and I was hooked. Until that point, I had played a little piano, and a lot of French Horn, an instrument I hate to this day. I learned a lot playing Beatle songs, but never really loved them.

The first guitarists to catch my ear were Larry Coryell and Jerry Garcia, both of whom had a freewheeling approach to improvising, unfurling wonderful melodic lines through whatever music they played. Garcia in particular always seemed to me to have a happy sound - not so much gritting of the teeth as in a lot of rock music.

Until recently, I always played fat "jazz" guitars through a little amp with no sustain or distortion. I was pretty much of a jazz snob, feeling that rock was simplistic and boring, at least from the playing standpoint. But of course, Larry Coryell was one of the first players to use distortion/feedback/rock intensity in a jazz context (Gary Burton's Quartet). So my ears were there, but not my playing.
I bought my first solid guitar about two years ago, and started trying to play with some crunch. Note to self: It's not easy or simplistic! It can be daunting standing on a stage after Mike Ohm finishes a solo, waiting for inspiration to arrive!

Guitarists I love: John Scofield, Scott Henderson (sounds like Albert King on acid). I don't think I copy anyone's lines, though I have learned Wes Montgomery and Charlie Christian solos. Potato Battery has been my most complete and rewarding musical experience, as everything we do is written, arranged, and played by the band.

I am also inspired by tenor saxist Charles Ventrello, who teaches me something every time we play together. His message to me is always the same: MAKE YOUR INSTRUMENT SING!

Location
Erie, PA

"Drummel"		Instrumental
	Lo Fi Play (dial-up) Hi Fi Play (DSL/cable)	Download (4.4 MB)
	CD: Sheldon Peterson Credits: © 2002 by Sheldon Peterson

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