Bret Sanor - Guitar for God

Bret Sanor grew up in Sebring, Ohio and began his musical journey with a drum set at the age of three. He learned to play the marching cadences used by the marching band at football games. By grade school, he began playing the trumpet/coronet, however he traded in the brass for the guitar, by following this love for rock and metal music. He bought his first Harmony guitar by age fifteen out of a Fingerhut catalog. In addition to the guitar, he plays about twenty different instruments. After learning some music theory, he's been able to transpose music easily for each of them.

However, despite an amazing start to his musical career, it almost came to an end. "In 2002, I faced a horrific industrial accident at my job while making sandpaper, leaving my life and ability to ever play music again, hanging in the balance. My fervent faith in God grew stronger and after being miraculously healed and doing months of rehabilitative therapy, I play better than I did before, despite doctors telling me I'd never play again. I now have a newfound passion for music and spreading the Word of Jesus Christ to the world."

Bret currently resides in North Canton, Ohio and performs in the area, focusing primarily on "virtuoso style instrumentals. I have my own flare and flavor of music that sets me apart from other artists with a wide span of styles and genres." His fingers seem to fly non-stop over the frets, producing an impressive end product that is sure to be met with enthusiasm (and a bit of envy) by guitar enthusiasts.

SA: Who are your musical influences?

Bret: God, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Franz Liszt, Paganini, Chopin, Handel, Michael Angelo Batio, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Tony MacAlpine, Frank Gambale, Alan Holdsworth, Dream Theater, Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass, Brent Mason, Petra, Metallica, Pantera, Mudvayne, Disciple, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Randy Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, Led Zepplin, Steve Miller, SRV, Buddy Guy, Johnny Cash, Dwight Yoakum, Buckethead, Paul Gilbert, Neil Zaza much much more...

SA: Do you have a personal favorite style of music?

Bret: Well, probably some form of fairly hard rock. It varies though, I like everything; just depends on my mood really.

SA: Do you write your own music?

Bret: Yes. Most of the time, I write all the parts for all the instruments. I also play the instruments in the studio, not just the guitar parts.

SA: How did you get started performing?

Bret: I always wanted to play in front of people. In high school, I played coronet in the marching band and played first trumpet parts and solo in the concert band. I guess that's where my actual performance with music started. I decided to pick up guitar at age fifteen and once I learned some songs started performing out in several garage bands and things wherever we could set up and play.

SA: What is your favorite thing about giving a concert?

Bret: Exchanging energy with the fans as I share my talent and testimony of what God has done in my life and watching their reactions. It's rewarding to me to make the connection.

SA: What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you're not working on your music?

Bret: Reading, studying the Bible, being outdoors, fishing and hunting, tinkering with electronics, building things, volunteering at my church, and spending time with friends and family.

SA: If you were not a musician, what would you be?

Bret: Before I had faith, I could never really see myself doing anything else. In my current walk of life, I'd have to say an evangelist or a minister to a church full time. A lot has put things in perspective for me and now my faith dictates my path.

To read more about Bret and hear more samples of his music and full concert schedule, check out http://bretsanor.iwarp.com and www.myspace.com/g3sanor.