- From the San Francisco Bay area (born in San Jose). Now lives in Nashville.
- One of the top bass players in bluegrass music. He has been playing since age 11.
- 1975, was an original member (with Tony Rice) of the David Grisman Quintet.
- 1980, was an original member of the Tony Rice Unit.
- Has also worked with The Good Old Persons, Laurie Lewis, Psychograss and The Bluegrass Album Band.
- 1996, produced the Grammy winning album “True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe,” which also won the 1997 IBMA award for Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year.
- Is also a luthier, photographer and a graphic artist.
- 1998, joined New Grange with Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Tim O’Brien and Alison Brown. Also worked with Laurie Lewis and her Bluegrass Pals.
- 2000, formed a trio with Matt Flinner and David Grier (Phillips, Grier and Flinner).
- 2008, moved to Nashville. Toured for two years with Joan Baez. Also worked with Psychograss, Russ Barenberg, the Bluegrass Album Band, others.
- 2014, joined the Claire Lynch Band.