I grew up on a beautiful farm in the Midwest, sandwiched in between 33 acres of forest and a giant cornfield. Although one look outside my bedroom window was not unlike gazing at a Bob Ross painting, still moist and glistening from the fresh strokes of the master; it wasn't the best place for a young chap to learn about the real world. Nonetheless, it gave me a deep appreciation for nature and a wonderful environment to develop some basic technique on the drumset.
At age 12, I begged my parents for a set of drums. My wish was granted on December 25th, 1993. Since that day, my life has never been the same.We can skip high school and go right to college - pimples, rejection...etc.
I decided to attend a university located about 15 minutes north of St. Louis, Missouri. It was at Southern Illiniois University, where I met some serious musicians who opened up a whole new world of music for me. After hearing how the drums could be played with such finesse, power, and musicality, I wanted to do whatever it took to get to that level. For the next five years, I practiced, studied and played with some of the best musicians in the St. Louis area.After graduating with a Major in Advertising and a Music minor, I decided to move to the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon. I had no idea what a vibrant, artistic, creative, unique and musical city this would turn out to be. It was in Portland where I was befriended by Israel Annoh, a master drummer from Ghana, West Africa. Annoh's dynamic, fiery playing and gentle spirit has been one of my biggest sources for inspiration.After two years of work and play, I decided to relocate to New York City. My journey has led me to perform with some incredibly talented NYC artists that continue to inspire me and help me develop as a musician. I lead my own Jazz Quartet, and also work as a "hired gun"
with many singer/songwriters and bands around the city.
After years of trial and error, honing my skills, and deep thinking, I can finally say...music is my life. It's what I was born to do.
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