About Me
CHEEZY LONG-WINDED NAME-DROPPING MUSIC BIO!!!! I play electric bass with an emphasis on preposterous antiquated synth basses and ridiculous effects pedals and other gadgetry. Grew up in Nebraska, been playing since jr. high. Haven't studied music formally since high school, but have had one-on-one educational run-ins over the years with people like composers Pauline Oliveros and LaMonte Young, bass master Richard Davis, and guitarists Marc Ribot and David Tronzo. Played in a bunch of bands in Nebraska (Pablo's Triangle, Roosevelt Franklin, Plastik Trumpet, Puggy), recorded with pre-'buzz' Saddlecreek bands Lullabye For The Working Class and We'd Rather Be Flying, and for many years served as musical director/sound designer for the esteemed avant-garde group The Omaha Magic Theatre (led by Joanne Schmidman and Obie-award winner Megan Terry). This was a good experience, and took me to South Korea and around the U.S. performing and workshopping.Moved to Chicago in 1999 and played with many people, including the legendary Flying Luttenbachers, (d)orch-pop wunderkind Head Of Femur, absurd My Name Is Rar-Rar, ex-Mercury Rev voice David Baker, glamorous Bobby Conn and The Glass Gypsies, un-glamorous Lovely Little Girls, the way-too-glamorous Strawberry, the suave and handsome Harvey Sid Fisher, prog lifers Cheer-Accident, avant composer Olivia Block, noisy-noise Panicsville, and on and on... criss-crossed the country many times touring during this period, often the bands supporting artists as varied as The Locust, Rilo Kiley, Lightning Bolt, Trans Am, M. Ward, and Moving Units, amongst many others. At some point during all this, started a productive and inspiring association with drummer Zach Hill that has resulted in my involvement in many projects, including Holy Smokes (with Rob Crow of Pinback), Tough Guy Fantasy, Arctic Boys, Damsel (with the incredible Nels Cline and the remarkable Matt Zivich), and recording with Friend/Enemy (featuring members of Make Believe and Joan Of Arc).2005 was a big year for me: throughout the year, I was a member of the expanded 4-piece touring lineup of Hella and enjoyed many new experiences, such as European and Japanese tours, playing the Mars Volta-curated All Tomorrows Parties, and tours supporting System Of A Down, Mars Volta, Dillinger Escape Plan, Les Claypool, Outhud and Fantomas (the arena experience can be seen on the Hella dvd documentary "Portals", by filmmaker R.T. Thomas). In the midst of this, I also recorded with The Ssion and played a Chicago show as a fill-in member of both Yoshida Tatsuya's legendary duo Ruins, and opening act Yowie. One of the most exciting evenings of my life! Also played improvisation shows with people such as Mike Pride, Andrew D'Angelo, Brian Chase, Cex, members of Need New Body and members of The Sun Ra Arkestra.In 2006, I relocated to northern California, and have since played on records by Big Sir (with Juan Alderete and Lisa Papineau) and Look Daggers (with 2Mex. Busdriver and Ikey Owens). Also have performed/recorded with Kings And Queens, RaRaRabbit, Mariee Sioux (with Gentle Thunder), Casual Fog, Aaron Ross, Lee Bob Watson, Neal Morgan, Cody Feiler, Renee Wilson, Vato Negro, and Ikey Owen's free improv collective The Just In Case Mantra Orchestra . Busy writing and looking forward to what's next!!!
