Jack Heald - Keyboards, Lead & Backing Vocals:

How long have you been playing?
I've played the guitar for about 30 years, but I started playing keys more than 40 years ago. I should be a better guitar player than I am by now, but since I play keys for Vintage, my lack of virtuosity on the guitar is not a problem.

Who are your biggest influences?
Early keyboard heroes were Michael O'Martian, Keith Green and Kerry Livgren. I loved the complexity of Kansas' music, and Kerry Livgren was mostly responsible for that. Michael O'Martian is better known for his production work than as an artist, but he released a pair of solo albums in the early 70s, "Adam Again" and "White Horse", that are still very listenable and very relevant. I don't think his label really knew what they had at the time. Keith Green was a keyboard wiz - you'll hear a lot of his licks in my work.

Other musical influences are Larry Norman, Fleetwood Mac, Frederic Chopin, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Willie Nelson, U2, The Police, Rich Mullins, Randy Stonehill, Johnny Cash, J.S. Bach, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, Dire Straits, Dean Martin, Dan Fogelberg, Chicago, Boston, Dylan and The Beatles.

What bands have you played in?
I played with several bands back in high school and college, then I took a break for a million years to get married, raise kids and be respectable, then I got back into Rock & Roll with Disciples of George and Serious Reservations before joining Vintage.

What equipment do you use (or is your favorite)?
I play a 10 year old Alesis QS-8 with all the requisite sound reinforcements necessary to be very loud. The combined weight of my gear is just slightly less than the payload of my truck.

Who is your favorite band right now? Whats in your cd player?
Favorite band right now? I don't know that I have a favorite, but Death Cab for Cutie impresses me a lot. I think their songs are structurally and harmonically very interesting. They know what they're doing. I'm not really a fan of The Dave Matthews Band, but I like their music for the same reason - interesting stuff. I think they are the spiritual progeny of Pink Floyd and Kansas, although they would probably laugh to hear me say that.

I'm just not one of those people who has a preferred genre of music. I hate rap, can't stand noise metal, but otherwise enjoy just about everything. My iPod has everything from Bach, Mozart & Verdi to Mary Gauthier, Ayreon and The Audreys - and everything in between. If it's live, I'll listen to it, (except rap).

What is one interesting thing that most people don't know about you (musically)?
I'm actually a trained musician; I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Composition. That probably explains why I have such a snotty attitude towards rap.