For my accordion playing, the two people who have inspired me the most with their playing are Paul Oorts and Mudcatter, Skipjack K8.

Paul Oorts is the person who inspired me to want to learn to play the accordion in the first place. And in so doing, he completely changed the complexion of my life. If I hadn't been inspired to learn to play the accordion, I would never have stumbled upon the Mudcat. If I hadn't stumbled upon the Mudcat... well, I don't even want to think about that.

And without the help of Skipjack, I would probably still be a frustrated beginner, beginner (instead of the intermediate beginner that I think I probably am now), playing the wrong size and make of accordion. And my understanding of the depth and scope of what this instrument has to offer would probably not be what it is now without his help (and without having heard him play).

I am profoundly thankful to these two men.