I'm a songwriter/musician/vocalist/blogger/dogloverfrom Philly, PA. I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles, CA and recently returned to the City of Brotherly Love. Through gigging at the Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean restaurant featuring live music - I discovered a whole new world of musicians, writers and rhythms I had never gotten into before. I have always loved reggae, ever since I saw the Jimmy Cliff movie "Harder They Come", but having to play the music for the gig has given me a deeper understanding of Rastafari and artists such as Bob Marley and others such as his former bandmates, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. Also, UB 40, Dandy Livingstone and South African artist Johnny Clegg and the new Reggeaton stuff by guys like Sean Paul, Shaggy and Maxi Priest. Recently, I added some Raga-Soca style to my repertoire.
Not long ago, I also started hacking around on the ukulele. They say you can't play a sad song on a ukulele (yeah, well, i've heard a few). Nevertheless, it's still a fun instrument, easy to learn and people just naturally smile when you whip one out. I have discovered there is a whole subculture of uke players out there. Some are serious ukulele gurus such as Jake Shimabukuro, others are pop artists such as The Hazzards (formerly known as "The Ukes of Hazzard"). Google 'em. You'll see what I mean. Then get yourself a uke. Everyone should own one.
Anyway, I currently perform as a solo act - no band. Sometimes I accompany myself with MIDI trax or background MP3s on my iBook. Plug it all into the p.a. and I'm good to go. So far, its been more dependable than a band -but I am not adverse to playing in a band again either. I still like the open mics and open jams. It's always a blast meeting
other songwriters and musicians.
