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 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…
Read moreKing Of The Pause Tape – William Northern
It’s always good to run into my friends from Howard University. It’s even better when they are alumni of the Howard University Showtime Marching Band. When you add the fact that he’s a member of Thunder Machine, the drum section of the band, that makes it just that much cooler. William Northern came with some…
Read moreExpressing Yourself At Ain’t Too Proud
When you come to see this show, expect to hear a few members of the audience reacting out loud to the actors on stage. You might hear a, “SANG girl” here or there. You’ll probably hear a, “Go on now” or a “That’s right!! from the balcony too. It’s just the way folks are when…
Read more25 hours in New York – Ain’t Too Proud – @BroadsOftheBay
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 moreThe Long And Winding Road
Playing to a standing room only theater every show is pretty amazing. I never knew this show would touch the lives of so many people. Every day I’m thankful to be able to play drums for a living. It took 45 years to get here. The road to get to this destination was long and…
Read moreA Music Lesson at The Rum House
I checked out a really nice Latin music trio at The Rum House after work last night. I forgot how cool this place can be and how it often has interesting music. A group called Trio Cachimbo was playing and they were amazing musicians. I had the chance to meet and talk shop with some…
Read moreModern Drummer
I have been following Modern Drummer since I was a young man just learning how to play the drums. At one point in time, I owned just about every issue from 1979-1999. I kept them all in a trunk in my parents’ basement. I passed them on when I moved into my new place here…
Read moreNew Sticks-Innovative Percussion
Just got my first package of sticks and swag from Innovative Percussion. I’m looking forward to playing Ain’t Too Proud with some high quality tools. I should know what I’ll be using at the show for the long term by the end of the show tonight. I love these sticks! . .
Read moreInnovative Percussion Endorsement
Lane Sanders and Karl Latham turned me on to Innovative Percussion. Now I am an endorser of their products! Thanks to both of you for connecting me with the right people. I’m looking forward to playing Ain’t Too Proud tonight using some brand new sticks. I feel like a little kid when they get new…
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