Growing up on the North Shore of Massachusetts, there were only two ways to go.....clam digging or petty thievery. Digging clams as a kid led me to bigger boats, different fisheries, a couple of marine science degrees, 23 years as owner/captain of two boats. I've worn out a few pairs of boots, I guess. Now I build skiffs, work in marine construction, and write about and sing about the rich maritime heritage we have off our shores.
In 2007, I published my first novel, "The Freedom Plant, a Novel of New England Fishermen". This book about our glory days as fishermen was unique in that it had its own soundtrack. I included seven nautical folk songs from the late, very great, musician Stan Rogers. My two multi-talented musical partners, Keith Allen and Jim Somers, shared my vision that these songs be performed in a band setting, and the Leeward Rail Band was formed. In our concerts, we sing the "book songs", our own original compositions, and add in some favorites. The music always has a strong tie to the water and those who "see his wonders in the deep".
The Leeward Rail Band. "Nautical, but not your father's folk music."
