Ah, the life of a journeyman musician. Who knew it would be this much work and this much fun.I've had more than my share of surprises. Most of them were good. I've been able to go places and do things I never would have otherwise. I've had the privilege of playing both before fifty thousand people and fifty empty chairs. There's been recordings, radio, TV, tons of live shows and more rehearsals than I want to think about.
I've had the opportunity to meet and/or play with some of the best musicians on the planet and some of the worst. Some I've only met briefly, others I'm thrilled to call my very best friends. I've written about music and musicians in publications with a circulation of only a few hundred as well as magazines with world wide distribution.
Some people crave a life that's predictable and safe. This journeyman's life wasn't what I expected. The surprises have been WAY more interesting. I can't wait for the next one. Life's been good to me so far...
SOME OF THE GORY DETAILS:
Live and/or recorded works with the following major artists: Nora Jean Bruso Kid Ramos Carl Davis Patti Labelle Donald Lawrence Buddy Miles Koko Taylor Pinetop Perkins Bobby Blue Bland James Wheeler Lefty Dizz Shirley King Gloria Shannon
Co-founder of the jazz ensemble, 5 aftr 5 and the DadaBeat Percussionist and vocalist with the Voices of Resurrection, the first gospel group to tour Australia Percussionist for the University of Cincinnati Marching and Concert Bands 1977 – 1979 Member of the Hanarobi Gospel Choir of the University of Cincinnati Private music teacher
First electronic percussionist, Orchestra Hall (Chicago) – 1990 Executive Producer: 40th Aniversary of The Beatles on Ed Sullivan- 2004 Principal Percussionist, Jesus Christ Superstar - 2004 Second Place: VOR: McDonalds' Gospelfest – 1990 Regional Judge:, Guitar Center Drumoff 2000 – 2002 Kool Jazz Festival, Fountain Square Stage (Cincinnati) – 1981 South Shore Jazzfest, Chicago – 2000 Prairie Dog Blues Festival, Prairie Du Chien WI – 2003 Taste of Chicago, Fox stage – 2001, 2005 Game 1 National League Playoff Series, Riverfront Stadium – 1978 World's Largest Office Party, Navy Pier Chicago -1989 South Loop Arts Festival, Chicago 1987 - 1991
Courses of study completed in percussion, music theory, electronic music and music history – UC College Conservatory of Music Private studies of percussion, sight reading and composition with NBC orchestra percussionist, Bobby Christian Private and master classes in jazz and latin music with Carl Allen and Bobby Sanabria
Member: Jazz Institute of Chicago. Percussive Arts Society
