That's funny because I'd never call Knopfler an influence if somebody asked me. He has that thing where he will play quiet and calmly and build it up until you are blown over. I definitely incorporate that into my playing - still working toward the "blown over" part though :-). Telegraph Road is a perfect example of that. Huh!

He also does the country picking hammer on/pull off thing that has been sneaking into my playing. That just came to me one day as a way to add some speed.

I'd love to listen to anything you can record. Everybody here I'm sure would be interested! You've been practicing, so I'm sure you've improved.