History of James Michael Skeen

Began playing guitar age 6 - mostly listening to radio rock, early 70’s.
Began playing piano soon after - writing on both instruments very early.
Always attracted to many different musical styles - rediscovering the guitar over time through the playing of Ace Frehley, Tony Iommi, Crosby/Stills, Frank Marino, John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, Allan Holdworth, Bruce Cockburn, Eric Clapton and others.
Discovered Roy Wood through ELO and was inspired even further toward the idea of playing the one-man-band role. Was always interested in other instruments and the various roles they played in different styles of music.

Pushed strongly toward blues for a period after seeing Clapton in 1980.
Played in various bands through the years, though always frustrated at lack of other bandmates interest in doing original material, as well as the frustration of being limited by focusing on one genre.
Became Born Again Christian in 1989, and began devoting all music to God.
Eventually, the one-man-band idea became possible and JMS began writing and recording original music and songs in Ambient, Blues, Rock, Pop, Progressive Rock, Metal, Country, and Jazz styles, typically working on multiple projects at once, and often crossing the styles.

Main Influences on James Michael Skeen

Kerry Livgren/Kansas, Bryan Duncan, Eric Clapton, Gentle Giant, Roy Wood/The Move/ELO, Neal Morse, Tony Iommi, John McLaughlin/Mahavishnu Orchestra, Larry Carlton, Phil Keaggy, Steely Dan