Skyypilot

So, I’ve done this “music thing” since I can remember, and am just now getting around to a “bio”…  Hearing Elvis/band doing “Hound Dog” convinced me to enter the music fray at a young age; yes I'm showing my age, boys and girls:)  I listened to everything from orchestral/blues/jazz/rock/Beatles/Zappa/Dylan/Floyd/Moodies etc, etc...  Started out on trumpet, learned a little sax, keyboards, arranging (thanks to my high school music teacher-Warren Sperry), then guitar, drums, bass, recording, producing, mixing, and performing over the years, soaking it all up...  When my daughter Kerri needed a producer for the band she helped form (Spiral Rhythm), we formed a label- Musiphysical Productions and started recording CD’s.  I soon began performing with Spiral Rhythm on Djembe/Vocals and Skyypilot was an offshoot band, featuring mostly my songs with Kerri and Ric Neyer from Spiral Rhythm.  My wife Beth started singing with us shortly thereafter, so it was a true family project!

We have recorded and produced seven Spiral Rhythm CDs, five Skyypilot CDs, my solo album, and a wonderful CD for Heather Jinmaku - The Balance.  What a journey! 

In 2009, I underwent treatment for stage-four tongue cancer, and today I’m cancer-free, thanks to God’s many blessings!   My vocals actually have better resonance due to the treatments!

Both Beth and Kerri have limited time right now, but I’m pleased that they both make shining appearances on “From an Empty House on B Street”, as well as cameos by our Grandchildren!  Our good friend Jim Harper contributed the original artwork, and the CD is in memory of fellow musician Steve Collins who entered the Summerland this past March.

It IS a wonderful life… Thank you Jesus!

Mark Witters (Skyypilot) - Sept. 2011