Change your thoughts, change your world...

Copy Left Scores is a website I created to encourage the open source community, a place to share musical transcriptions in the hope that others will learn, grow, and be inspired. All works are published under Creative Commons licensing, which allows anyone to access the work, share it, and remix it, as long as they do not try to sell it for personal profit.

Naked Roots. I started NR when I was composing a project and came across the advice on-line (forget where now) to start a record label when releasing your own music. The idea grew from there, and continues to incorporate more ideas. Currently, it is a record label and music consulting service, providing an honest solution to the current corrupt 'industry'. I've recorded four artists and will officially release their EPs very soon. Please visit the site for more information - www.nrsolution.com.

Background and Influences

I believe that everyone has a 'voice', a means by which to express their inner emotions outwardly. Whether it be art, music, acting, writing, or dancing, everyone has the potential to employ their voice. For me, I play the piano, keyboard, organ, melodica, harmonica, guitar, bass, percussions, drums, bongos, and anything that can be utilized as music.

I enjoy listening to literally every type, style, and genre of music (and no, I'm not just saying it to be cool or enhance the chances of you liking me more). I believe I can connect with any genre as long as it has a basis for musical talent, emotional connection with the listener (me), or other interesting, influential elements.

The musicians, bands, or groups I find inspiration are rather diverse. The main ones are as follows:

• Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) — Trent is one of the main influences to starting Naked Roots. He exposed me to the major label enslavement tactics and got me asking the question: Why? He also has several songs that inspire me, and his production work is just as amazing.
• Oscar Peterson — One of the first performers I was in utter awe listening to. My dearest piano instructor / mentor, Easy Andrews, introduced me to what is the magnificence known commonly as Oscar Peterson. I think I fell in–love with the piano when listening his performance of 'Tenderly' - his genuine joy while playing is infectious. Check out this vid - greatest piano solo ever.
• The Mars Volta — Omar Rodriguez-Lopez's guitar, production, and song-writing skills are truly amazing. Ikey Owens is a mastermind on the keyboards (he also played for Sublime btw).
• Red Hot Chili Peppers — Though they don't have a permanent keyboardist, this band has been my long-standing favorite. They live through music. I try to incorporate that everyday.
• B.B. King — Don't need to play guitar to know the KING! I had the pleasure of watching his performance at Konocti Harbor Inn and Resort at the age of 81. If you have blues in your blood, have to love the King.
• Fear the Fiasco — Though this band is not renowned as the others, they are the first artists I helped promote. "This is one of the best bands I have ever watched. Why aren't they crazy popular?" I thought being one of six people in the crowd. Another inspiration to start Naked Roots.
• Spoon — I love that Spoon has never compromised. Their latest album — Transference — was self-produced by the band (very rare for a popular band these days). They even have a couple songs that were written in resentment to one of their former Producers. Check out The Agony of Laffitte on youTube, written about his devient producer.
• Others — Tony Banks (Keyboardist, Genesis), Richard Wright (Keyboardist, Pink Floyd), Rick Wakeman (Keyboardist, Yes), Rage Against the Machine, The Fall of Troy.

I enjoying playing a number of syles, methods, and genres. Classical, Contemporary, Gospel, Experimental, Progressive, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Folk, Math Rock / Indie, Indie, and so on.

* All references and links to wikipedia.org