First and foremost.....GOD.
Some of my drumming influences are:
Louie Bellson, Steve Gadd, William Kennedy, Art Blakey, John Guerin, Claudio Slon, Roy Hanes, Steve Jordan, Jeff Hamilton, Phil Ehart, Jimmy Cobb, "Philly" Joe Jones, Neal Peart, Dave Weckl, Vernel Fournier, Ringo Starr, John "Jabo" Starks, Clyde Stubblefield, Jack DeJohnette and Tony Williams...to name just a few.
Some of my musical influences are:
Michael Franks, Yellowjackets, Diana Krall, Miles Davis, Pat Matheny, Antonio Carlos Jobim, James Brown, Kansas, Sade, John Coltrane, Rush, Francis Albert Sinatra, Chick Corea, Weather Report, Styx, Foreigner, Prince and Stan Getz....again, just to name a few. Also, I LOVE Bossa Nova and Samba!!!!
Sounds Like
Infuenced and respectful of those that have come before me...but I can only sound like ME.
As a professional drummer, I've had the pleaure of working with some wonderful artist. I thank all of them for their great friendships and willingness to share there musical knowledge with me. Please forgive me if I leave anyone out of the following listing:
Glenn Douglas, Wes Biles, Janine Gilbert-Carter, Sandry Y. Johnson, Vincent L. Smith, The Alvin Trask Krewetet, Scott Paddock, Mary Ann Redmond, Tyrone Shuz & His Funky Bluz, Verlette Simon, Davey Yarborough, Ron Kearns, Marshall Keys, Michael Thomas, Amy Banks and the late Ms. Ronnie Wells. I've also shared the stage with; Gladys Knight, Stanley Turrentine, Keter Betts and Scott Ambush....
I've worked on some great projects and in some memorable locations and situations such as;
The U.S. Capitol, The State Buildiing, The Democratic National Committee Headquarters, The Washington Monument, The John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts, DAR Constitution Hall, Blues Alley, Bohemian Caverns, NBA "All Star Weekend" Festivities, Virginia Jazz Festival, Takoma Park Folk Festival, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, The FMJS East Coast Jazz Festival, The State Theatre, The Capital Jazz Fest., Ford's Theatre, The Wilbur Theatre, The 20th Annual DC Society Blues Festival, Cartor Barron Amphitheatre, The History Makers Present "An Evening With Quincy Jones"...
I was the drummer for the Theatre productions of;
"Five Guys Named Moe", "Footloose", "Just So" and "Anything Goes".
I've worked on the cruise ships The Queen Elizabeth II and NCL's M/S Sun.
I've performed on television and radio;
WPFW 89.3 FM - "Spring Jazz Concert Series"
*WTMD 89.7 FM - "Unsigned Artist Series"
*Cable TV 76 - "It's About Time".
I've worked with wedding and agency bands;
"Mixed Company Band" and "Nightlife".
My musical education has been enhanced with Master Classes by:
Ndugu Chancler, Steve Smith, Jim Chapin, Russ Miller, Joe Morello, Ed Thigpen and Zoro.
I have attended conferences and workshops from and have been a member of such organizations as;
International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE)
Percussive Arts Society (PAS)
KoSA Percussion Workshop.
Hey man...next time you go "shopping" let me know. I can get you some nice deals...lol. Yeah I'll be gigging in lancaster on the 4th and 8th...hope to see you there man. Last time was fun....might bring a new
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