If you are at all interested in finding work as a musician playing drums on a Broadway musical, I can certainly give a few tips. I’ve been fortunate to have played in several over the past 20 years and I’ve learned a little from each one I’ve been in. Each of the shows I’ve done…
Read moreThe First Step In Becoming A Touring Musician For A Broadway Show
A colleague asked me the other day, “What would you recommend as a first step in becoming a touring musician for a broadway show?” I had to think about that for a moment. I can only describe my experience and what I did right, and what I did wrong. From 1993 until the year 2000,…
Read moreThe Best Interests Of The Child Includes Access to Both Parents
On a typical Monday evening, Alex goes to bed with hugs and kisses from two loving parents. After Alex is taken to school the next day, one parent moves out because the couple agrees they can’t live together anymore. Tuesday evening after school, Alex gets home and only sees one of his two loving parents. Alex does…
Read moreSmalls
I always wanted to check this place out. I remember when it first opened many years ago and they didn’t even have their liquor license. I don’t know why I never made it back but I’m not sure if I need to come here again. It looks cool inside but I don’t know…the vibe didn’t…
Read more55 Bar
New York City. So many musicians…so many incredible musicians. On my way to check out a venue I haven’t been to yet called Smalls, I realized I was near the 55 Bar. There is always top notch musicians here. I had no idea who was going to be playing, but I’m glad I stepped in….
Read moreJames Reese Europe
I recently found out about James Reese Europe. I’m surprised he isn’t more well known. He is an important figure in American history and jazz.
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…
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…
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