I have the best job in the world! A lot of people came to see Memphis and Lady Day but I never has the chance to meet the people I’ve met over the past two years. I saw a lot of celebrities in the audience at Lady Day-everyone on the planet came to see Audra…
Read moreBill And Hillary Clinton at Ain’t Too Proud
It was a pleasure to have @BillClinton and @HillaryClinton groove with us at @AintTooProud last night! pic.twitter.com/JnJevprMc8 — Ain’t Too Proud (@AintTooProud) December 14, 2019
Read moreAin’t Too Proud at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
I wasn’t at this performance. I chose to spend time with my family in Connecticut on Thanksgiving. One of my amazing drum subs, Andrew Atkinson, was there to take my place. Even though I wasn’t there physically, it is me on the recording that you are hearing. I had so much fun laying down the…
Read moreGrammy Award Nomination For Ain’t Too Proud
I just l found out my show was nominated for a Grammy. It feels great to be a part of something special. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations Principal Soloists: Saint Aubyn, Derrick Baskin, James Harkness, Jawan M. Jackson, Jeremy Pope & Ephraim Sykes; Producer: Scott M. Riesett (Original Broadway Cast)
Read moreA Pleasant Surprise
My daughter texted me late in the afternoon last Saturday wondering what I was up to. She took practice ACT/SAT tests that morning and wanted to get out of the house to take a break. I told her I was in-between shows at Ain’t Too Proud and could meet for dinner. We had some quality…
Read moreTraveling Light
I saw this young man get on the bus on 14th street with his drums the other day. It’s one thing I’ve never done in my 26 years living here. I always had a car, so I never took my gear on public transportation. I played a few weddings and corporate events over the years…
Read moreCarol Steele
Right before the show today, I saw most of the band hanging out near the stage door of my show. There was one person they seemed to be surrounding and talking to. As I walked towards the band members, Roger Squitero introduced me to the person who was the center of attention – Carol Steele….
Read moreHoop Dreams
Life… It’s amazing how things happen. When I was in junior high, I tried out for the 8th grade basketball team. I had to go one-on-one against a kid who seemed like he was already 6’4” while I was 4’8” or so. I did my best Curly Neal/Harlem Globetrotter impression and dribbled around him. I…
Read moreAfro-Cuban music/The Roots Of Rhythm
I’ve been interested in Afro-Cuban music for a long time. I never really knew where to start when looking for the roots of this music. When I’m interested in a new style of music, I prefer to start from the beginning. I want to know where it came from and who were the innovators. After…
Read moreSteve Jordan on space between notes and huge hi-hats
I thought I was the only one who liked the fact that Doug Clifford, the drummer for Creedence Clearwater Revival played huge hi-hats. I read this about Doug in Modrn Drummer: Doug: It was pretty much just the way it was. I had a basic four-piece kit with one crash on the left side and…
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