Described by the music critic for the Los Angeles Times, as "the Paganini of the harmonica",[2] he is known for his many recordings and live performances featuring the instrument.
He enrolled in the University of Arizona to study chemistry, but at the same time became interested in the possibilities of the chromatic harmonica.
After travelling to Trossingen, Germany, in the 1970s where he attended a seminar by the master harmonica player, Cham-Ber Huang, he decided on a musical career.
His breakthrough as a concert artist came in 1986 when he performed the world premiere of Henry Cowell's Harmonica Concerto with the Brooklyn Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lukas Foss.
The couple founded the Grand Canyon Music Festival in 1984 and continue to serve as its artistic directors.