I am a Professional Drummer/Percussionist fluent in numerous genres of music available for shows, gigs, concerts, tours, lessons & studio session work.
I also work as a producer, drum/sound/backline tech, promoter & actor. Feel free to contact me via e-mail in regards to any of the above listed @ SLGOODEN2@YAHOO.COM or STEVE@UAFFILIATED.COM
Since childhood, the pulse of the drums always stood out to me in music. I was born May 29th 1982 in Jacksonville, Florida to Steven Lorenzo Gooden and Dorothy Marier Countryman. I was blessed to have great parents who nurtured this musical instinct and purchased me my first trap set as a toddler. After hard work and dedication I came to be known as the "Human Metronome" by my peers. I adopted the name in jest; and have since embraced my passion for rhythm. It is indeed a blessing to make a living exercising my gifts & I don’t take this for granted. My first opportunity for public recital as a musician was in the church which explains my gospel background. My initial style of music was gospel and I credit God for my talent. The genre of gospel incorporates many styles of music; and became the platform that prepared me for future endeavors in music as a profession.
I’ve acquired skills in a variety of musical styles: Hip-Hop, R&B, Latin, Jazz, Latin Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Fusion, Gospel, Funk and Neo-Soul. Some of my creative influences include but are not limited to: Dave Weckl, JoJo Mayer, Chris Coleman, Akira Jimbo, George “Spanky” McCurdy, Erik Tribbett, Mike "Big Mike" Clemons, Chris "Daddy" Daves, Robby Ameen, Will Calhoun, Dom Famularo, Thomas Pridgen, Mike Portnoy, and Calvin Rogers to name a few. If you are familiar with their style of playing you can get a feel for my eclectic drum vocabulary. Prior to my matriculation into a collegiate level of musicianship my knowledge & practice of “straight ahead” jazz was peaked. Attending Coronado High School in San Diego, Ca. gave me the opportunity to work with the legendary Bob Magnusson, Louie Bellson, and John Sebastian Winston & through COSA (Coronado School of the Arts) my body was honed into a precision tuned, well rounded instrument. My instructor: Darren Thorn really opened me up to swing, jazz, bebop, straight-ahead, ragtime, big band, afro-cuban styles. The COSA program entered us into nationally attended jazz festivals & competitions hosted by San Diego State University, Fullerton College & our very own Coronado Jazz Fest. Our trio and big band ensemble were award winning & amongst the top in the nation 1998-2000. I received several group & solo awards including the Bill Yeager award for “Outstanding Soloist” which put me in the crosshairs of such prestigious institutions as The Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard School of the Arts & Berklee College of Music to name a few.
I was a full scholarship recipient in the Colleges of Arts & Sciences program at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. While studying as a Jazz Studies & Commercial Music major at the university I had the perquisite of working with such artists as: Kelly Price Rolle (Gospel), Byron Cage, Sha’ Simpson, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Canton Jones, Chosen Generation, Prayze Company, California State Choir, FAMU Gospel Choir & FSU Gospel Choir, Dayve Stewart & the Vibe (www.DayveStewart.com), Odyssey, Jazz Hop, Chocolate Soul, SoulSpeak, Soccoro (www.soccorro.com), Jubilant Productions (www.jubilantproductions.org) and various other nationwide engagements and competitions. Since then I’ve been professional going on 6 years, along the way I’ve learned that experience can be your best teacher. Some artists that I would love to work with include George Benson, Brian Mcknight, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Kem, Sade, John P. Kee, Quincy Jones, Ledisi, Jill Scott, Kim Burrell, Alicia Keyes, Erykah Badu, Christian Scott, Steely Dan, NeYo, Israel and New Breed, Usher, Mars Volta and The Red Hot Chili Peppers!
My aspirations are to one day become world renown in the world of entertainment, not just performance but also producing, managing, promoting, acting and consulting. I say if you have dreams, pursue them whole-heartedly. Never give up! Keep praying, trying, pursuing & practicing relentlessly. Using the talents that God has entrusted me with to leave my mark on this earth has been a daunting task. Yet I will not give in to mediocrity. I will continue to strive for excellence & work diligently at becoming what I feel God has pre-destined.
Fluent in various styles of music. Different sound & instrument applications appropriate for the style. Utilizing timing, pocket, feel/groove & professionalism. Available for tours, sessions, lessons & performance (national or international)
C.R.U. Creative Rhythmz Unltd. LLC INTERNATIONAL &, NATIONWIDE US CEO/ Drummer, Drum Programming, Percussion "Innovative, custom, live muzik/trax of various styles & genres."
Born 1982, Est. 2003
"Dr. DRUM" is touring the Mediterranean...Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Croatia! Be blessed & stay in touch. view more
Just passing to say hello.Have a blessed week..
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