About Me
Jeff Minnieweather was born in Portland, Oregon, where he began his performing career at age 8 playing snare drum at his minister grandfather's knee during church services at Mt.Sinai C.O.G.I.C.. By 12 he was touring the West Coast with the gospel group, Mighty Wings of Faith. From 13 to 15, he appeared weekly on KATU-TV's "Hallelujah Sunday" gospel television show with Mt.Sinai Choir in Portland. In addition to performing with his church choir, other highlights include backing the State Choir under the direction of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and daughter Twinkie. In high school Jeff was awarded scholarships to study with legendary Motown drummer, Mel Brown. He also attended jazz camps held at the University of Portland where he studied with Joey Baron and Louie Bellson. After high school, he continued his jazz studies on a scholarship at Mt. Hood Community College. He was a member of Mt. Hood's award-winning big band, along with chart-topping trumpeter Chris Botti, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Todd Field, and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Diane Krall alum Ben Wolfe.Jeff launched his professional jazz career at age 19, touring Alaska with his own trio aboard the SS Universe cruise ship. After Mt.Hood, Jeff began freelancing with local jazz, R&B, Latin and big bands, as well as Gospel groups and choirs. He was a member of Portland's seminal funk band, Cool'r, founded by members of the influential jazz/funk band, Pleasure. He can be heard on Cool'r's self-titled release on A&M which was produced by famed producer Lou Adler.Jeff spent several years touring the country with the Curtis Salgado Band and recorded several CD's with Salgado. He co-wrote the title track of Salgado's More Than You Can Chew which was featured in an episode of "Sex and the City." He is a 6-time Muddy Award winner in Portland. As a member of Joe Louis Walker's band, Jeff shared the stage with Ike Turner, Steve Cropper, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Scotty Moore, Buddy Guy and Keb Mo. Jeff can be heard on the House of Blues Rolling Stones tribute album, Paint it Blue, and on Sista Monica's new album,"Sweet Inspirations".He has toured throughout the U.S., Europe, Japan and the Caribbean. Jeff has had the privilege of sharing the stage with a number of artists, including Kevin Eubanks, Steve Miller, Robert Cray, Chuck Berry, Pinetop Perkins, Albert Collins, Steve Allen, Mike Finnigan, Drifters, Shirley Caesar, Joe Sample, Bud Shank, Tom Grant, Leroy Vinneagar, Jerry Hahn, Jim Pepper, Hadley Caliman, tap dancer Arthur Duncan and more. He is a well-respected sideman and has done a number of recording sessions for a variety of artists.Jeff currently performs locally with the Henry Robinett group, Tony Lindsay band (lead vocalist of Santana and 11-time Grammy winner), D'Baba Project and freelances in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Sacramento Valley area with a variety of artists. Jeff is known for his deep pocket, hard grooves and lack of ego onstage. He endorses Allegra Drums and is available for hourly instruction.
