There are musicians out there who really get to the heart of what it means to make music. It seems to just flow through them no matter what the setting. Several months ago I had the chance to finally see one of my all time guitar heroes up close. Pete Huttlinger is a National Champion Fingerstyle guitarist who just released a collection of Stevie 
Wonder songs arranged for solo guitar.
Pete was gracious enough to participate after just returning home from a tour of Germany.
Describe your first experience playing music.
The first place I played was Shakey’s Pizza in Walnut Creek, Ca. My mom would take me there and I’d sit in and play banjo on a few tunes. The first place I made money was playing square dances in Danville, Ca. Both gigs were on banjo. The square dances were great fun because it was all about community. The caller, the dancers, the band. We were all in it together. Even though I mostly play solo these days, my favorite thing is to play music with other people.
What has been your most significant musical experience?
There have been many but the biggest has to be playing solo at Carnegie Hall. I was opening for 1964 – The Tribute ( a Beatles tribute band). I had lots and lots of family and friends in the audience. It went well, I hit it out of the ball park, and now I’m returning on January 9, 2010 to do it again!
What is the best advice on pursuing a career in music you were ever given?
My mom grew up in the post-depression era and when I was 15 years old she said, “Pete, play music because when times are good people want it. And when times are bad, they need it. She’s been 100% right.
What is your favorite sound?
Two actually – water and birds.
Name some of your biggest non-musical influences.
My brothers, my mom, my brother-in-law and anyone one who has taken the time to show me the right way to do something. The new testament is pretty amazing too. I’m not deeply religious but when you read it, it’s really a no-brainer. It’s all good information.
What was the most memorable concert you ever attended?
That would probably be one of Bill Graham’s famous Day On The Green concerts in Oakland, Ca. I won 3 pair of tickets from the radio. My brother and his girlfriend drove me and three friends to see Steve Miller, Heart, The Atlanta Rhythm Section, The Eagles & Foreigner. All the groups were all over the radio at the time so it was an amazing day for a 15 year-old kid.
Put your iPod on shuffle and list the first 5 songs that appear
The theme to Alfred Hitchcock Presents (From Television’s Greatest Hits), Mean Old Man (James Taylor), Just Friends (Amy Winehouse), Blues For TJ ( Larry Carlton), Sweet Lorraine (Joe Pass)
