I met these two women through social media. They were big fans of Ain’t Too Proud since the beginning. We found a way to meet in person while the show was in Los Angeles. We instantly had a connection, and over the past few months, we have gotten to know more about each other. In…
Read moreLady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill-Cast Recordig
Last Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill. My first number one album. Well, it was the first and only jazz album I’ve ever played on. I’ve recorded a few instrumental rock records, but nothing like this. Lady Day topped four of the Billboard charts in its first week of release: #1 in Cast Albums, #1…
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The Only Reasons Why I Live In New York City-Reason 4
The only reasons why I live in New York City. Number four and pretty much main reason right now…because the other three reasons are mobile: Ain’t Too Proud – The Life And Times Of The Temptations. If I wasn’t playing this show, I would stop playing the drums. I’m done. Had it. Been there and…
Read moreAudra McDonald – “God Bless The Child” – LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL (The View 22-May-2014)
Here is a video of me working with one of the greatest performers of all time – Audra McDonald. I was fortunate to have played this show on Broadway. She is a force of nature. So good!
Read moreAudra McDonald Sings Billie Holiday – From Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill
In January of 2014, I got a call to work on a new musical about Billie Holiday that would feature Audra McDonald. I had no idea just how huge the show would be—what an experience. Audra is a force of nature and was on top of her game every single night. It was amazing to…
Read more“The Temptations Were Our Beatles”
“The Temptations were our Beatles” I stumbled across a series of Behind The Music episodes on YouTube last night and watched the story of Hall and Oates. Wow, I forgot how many hits they had. I loved so many of their songs. But, The Temps… I really didn’t know how much of an influence they…
Read moreRock Band
I spoke with my son yesterday on the phone and asked him how his after school program is going. Unfortunately, I’ve been out of town so I haven’t been able to see his transition into his new school this fall. Usually, he doesn’t tell me much but he sure was eager to let me know…
Read moreWhy new Temptations play is NOT a ‘jukebox musical’
“People always say I make musicals for people who hate musicals and there is some truth to that.” – Des McAnuff True indeed! I never liked musicals. I think way too many of them are corny. I once saw a musical where a singer was at a train station , waiting on her train to…
Read moreDigital #Ham4Ham 1/30/16: Say No To This w/ Audra McDonald AS Billie Holiday
Tony Award Winner and living legend Audra McDonald performs “Say No To This” as Billie Holiday
Read moreAn Exclusive First Look at Audra McDonald in HBO’s Live Filming of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
I’m very happy to have been a part of this project. I had a great time working with Audra McDonald, Shelton Becton and George Farmer. I can’t wait to see how it turns out: HBO has filmed Audra McDonald in her Tony Award-winning performance as Billie Holiday in Lanie Robertson’s play with music Lady Day…
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