Hi,
I'm Sandy H, from Raleigh, NC. (why is it I get this feeling like I'm standing up at the front of an AA meeting?)
Born in '62, I went the typical John Thompson route of piano lessons from age 6-17. About age 12 I got heavy into Elton John, (I believe John Thompson taught me how to read music - Elton John taught me how to PLAY music).
Growing up, I was in a band here and there, (never to any measurable success), spent time gigging in coffee houses during my college days, and even enjoyed a short stint as house pianist at a little Italian restaurant in Chapel Hill.
Started writing when I was 16. Averaged about 1 song per month for the next 10 years. Most of it is pure schlock. Then I packed up my gear and stopped playing out for about 10 years.
In the late 90s, I returned to church, (after a 10+ year absence), and became the accompanist for my church choir, (I had also played for church growing up). Eventually, my creative juices got flowing again, and I started writing again.
In 2004, I recorded and released my debut CD, "The Road Home", a collection of original inspirational pop/rock.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/hemenway
I've been playing local Unity churches for the last couple of years.
Currently, my only equipment is a circa 1980 Yamaha Electric Grand, (for sale), and a Juno-106, (which has lost its programs). I'm currently looking at purchasing a portable digital piano, so I can open up venues that don't come pre-stocked with pianos.
I can sight read just about anything short of Chopin, and while my improvisational skills are limited, they have been improving of late.