Mark White — Musician born on April 01, 1961,

Mark Wells White, Jr., is an American lawyer, who served as the 43rd Governor of Texas from January 18, 1983 to January 20, 1987... (wikipedia)

The combination of experience and experimentation will ultimately yield a personal sound.
After a couple years of occasional lessons with Pass I moved to Boston to attend the New England Conservatory.
I was exposed to jazz early on.
I agree totally with Metheny regarding the sound influencing the way you play.
Still others want a traditional guitar sound if they call you for guitar.