Tony Banks, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Greg Phillinganes, George Duke, anything P-Funk, Stevie, Elton John, Billy Joel, Keith Emerson, Ray Charles, Art Tatum, all the New Orleans cats like Dr. John, James Booker, Professor Longhair, Harry Connick Jr. up to Henry Butler. Bruce Hornsby, Hank Jones, Red Garland, Herbie, and all the old boogie woogie piano greats like Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson, and Meade Lux Lewis, and Detroit cats like Bob Seeley and Mr. B. Also gotta give a shout out to Bill Heid, and other B3 cats like Doug Riley, Joey DeFrancesco, Groove Holmes, and Jimmy McGriff. Country session aces Matt Rollings and John Barlow Jarvis, Benmont Tench from Tom Petty's Heartbreakers. Electronica composers BT and Squarepusher, plus almost any 80's synth artist. Can't forget Jordan Rudess. Literally dozens of other great blues and jazz cats from all over, and also to some heavy Toronto cats who keep the inspiration strong, guys like Fingaz, Andrew Craig, Robi Botos, Joel Joseph, Mike Shand, Laila Biali, Michael Kaeshammer, Toad, Peter Nunn, Hilario Duran, Jesse O'Brien, Don Thompson, Steve O'Connor, and Jake Payne. Also, two people who have helped and shaped me over the years - I gotta give a special shout out to my voice instructor of six years, Mr. Alan Reid, and last but certainly not least, the Master Barry Harris.
Sounds Like
Depends on the setting. I strive for absolute authenticity and tone in whatever situation I find myself in. Having said that, I feel my approach stems from a strong background in blues, and it is my opinion that almost every kind of music we hear in North America comes one way or another from the blues. If you can play the blues, every other style will fall into place; gospel, jazz, hip hop, country, rock, whatever.
I'm originally from Windsor, Ontario, where I grew up listening to all kinds of music from radio stations in Detroit, and my parents old rock n' roll records. From the beginning, my tastes in music were varied, and that's reflected in my career today. I've been playing since I was very young, but never took it seriously until my early teens, when I started taking music classes in high school, and private lessons from whoever I could find that I thought was really good. I was equally fascinated by traditional piano playing as well as all the mysterious sounds that synthesizers could produce, and thus began a lifetime obsession with gear and tone that plagues me to this day.
Towards the end of high school, I found myself sneaking into clubs with my best friend to see as much live music as possible. It was then that I started going to jams and getting gigs with bands around town.
I was getting a lot of experience, but there were still many things I needed to learn, so I ended up relocating to Toronto, to attend Humber College's Jazz Keyboard program. This was my first "formal" education in music. While at Humber, I was exposed to an enormous amout of information, but still had some unanswered questions. It was then that I began attending masterclasses with legendary pianist and educator Barry Harris. Since then, my whole perspective on harmony and music has blossomed exponentially. It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my career to him, and still seek his knowledge and wisdom whenever I can.
Since finishing Humber, I have had a very rewarding career that gets more exciting every year. I've been fortunate to perform with some of Canada's legendary artists, like Alannah Myles, Mike Reno from Loverboy, Alan Frew from Glass Tiger, and Juno award winning group The Daughters (formerly Farmer's Daughter). I have a freelance career that takes me all over North America, with various bands and artists. As well, I'm honoured to be a staff member in Sheridan College's esteemed Music Theatre program, and I get to give back some knowledge teaching piano and voice at Walter's Music in Mississauga.
Most recently, I began a production company with internationally renowned DJ and producer Natural, called Natural Born Hustlaz. Our main focus is on producing music for urban music markets, specializing in hip hop and R&B. In the year we have been working together, we've gotten an overwhelmingly positive response to our music. I think it's fair to say that 2007 is going to be a very good year for Natural Born Hustlaz.
My goals are to keep learning and growing as a person and as a musician, and to share that experience with as many talented and amazing people as possible.
We lost a great friend and musician .... Sean Costello. Besides being one of the best musicians ever, he was a kind sweet wonderful person. He died 1 day shy of his 29th birthday...... A tradegy for all....
Hey, just dropping in to say hello and see how you're doing. I've been really busy.. a tour coming up, a show TONIGHT, airplay, and much more. I hope you get a chance to stop by and comment letting me know how you're doing. :)
Hey Peter- It was so good to see you at the PNE when you were out on the Westcoast playing with Eva. We also watched you on the Canadian idol the other night. Too bad Dane + Ashley Wey, got so much camera time. I guess you'll just have to keep your hair growing longer. Lots of (((HUGS))) Karen
Better yet, send me your email or # and I'll give you all the details. Don't know if you still have mine, but I better not post it out in the open here; lol
I've been trying to reply to you but this site keeps giving me "phising" problems. The answer is YES. They want people badly. I'm trying to help them. Send me an inbox email and I'll try to reply properly from there.
Hey bud. Hope all is going well with you. I'm finishing off the summer here at both Zipperz and another bar plus the CNE with Lisa. Crazy crazy. Hope you're busy too.
Methodology's got their big summer show happening This Friday August 17th @ REVIVAL (783 College St) Don't miss the SONICSOUL SUMMER PARTY as it throws down!
Hi Peter, so nice to hear from you. Things are great here in HK--I really like this place. The gig's not very demanding so I'm learning how to read and write Chinese characters... very cool. Let's definitely get together when I get back in Sept. What's new with you?
