My father (a trumpeter) & my uncle (a saxophonist) formed a band in the late 60s called OSIBISA. My early years were spent with the band on the road absorbing first the Hammond organ & piano then on to the drums.
I began playing properly when I was 14 years old. As jazz was the music of my father's choice, I listened to Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan etc
My earliest drumming influence though, was Harvey Mason, having heard George Benson's "Breezin" & "In Flight" albums.
Later on, I went back to listening to 'straight ahead' players like 'Philly' Jo Jones, Art Blakey, Max Roach & Tony Williams. The one drummer who changed the way I 'thought' about drumming was Steve Gadd. I heard him on Chuck Mangione's "XI Commandment" & decided that this was the way ahead as far as I concerned. Absorbed him intensely to understand 'Why?' as opposed to 'How'.
After studying privately with a couple teachers, I returned to the piano & did 2 years study at Trinity College of Music. Played in several bands with school friend COURTNEY PINE including disco group, HI-TENSION.
In 1982, I went on the road with OSIBISA. Toured extensively around the world for 4 years. In 1986 formed the JAZZ WARRIORS with Courtney Pine but I missed playing 'backbeat' & formed my own group, DESPERATELY SEEKING FUSION, influenced by fusion giants of the time, John Scofield, Mike Stern & Weather Report.
In 1989, a friend (Tim Goldsmith) recommended me to pop/folk singer, TANITA TIKARAM. Then joined Scottish indie band AZTEC CAMERA for 3 years playing & "singing!" on the album "Stray".
Since 1994, I have mainly been a hired sticksman for: LEVEL 42, OMAR, CARLEEN ANDERSON, MICA PARIS, ZUCCHERO, AL GREEN, CONNER REEVES, D*NOTE, WORKSHY, BB MAK, EDWYN COLLINS, GARY BARLOW, INCOGNITO, LEWIS TAYLOR, THE PASADENAS, PAUL YOUNG, ROACHFORD, TASMIN ARCHER. DAMAGE, GABRIELLE, DES'REE, LAMONT DOZIER, FRANK McCOMB, DON BLACKMAN, MIS-TEEQ, RAHSAAN PATTERSON, DONNIE, DON-E, JEAN TOUSSAINT, TONY REMY (whom I have played on many of his productions & projects), JASON REBELLO, NATE JAMES, DUNCAN JAMES, JODY WATLEY, PATRICE, AMY WINEHOUSE
In 1996, I worked with GEORGE MICHAEL on his MTV Unplugged concert, which led to 1999's "Songs from The Last Century" CD. Since September 2000, I have been RnB/UK garage superstar, CRAIG DAVID's musical director. I've toured & recorded with him for 6 years now.
Currently, I have a solo project called 'CELEBRATION OF LIFE' with an album called 'Black Is The Color' ready to come out soon. It's a kinda world music thang, involving several artists from countries like Brazil, Cuba, India & of course, Africa.
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