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“My one thing is, I continue to be interested and want to be a student. I don’t want to be a master. When I’m learning something, I’m in my element.”
photography by: André Felix
Sports Reporter - Teen Wolf Too - 1987
Police Officer - Shakedown on the Sunset Strip - 1988
Hangin’ out with Kiko and El Negro at NAMM.
Good Hands Drum Shop Grand Opening with Stanton Moore.
Pictured in my first band TASKA - 1972
Pictured with TASKA at Los Alisos Jr High - 1973
The Dynamic Les DeMerle at the Amelia Island Jazz Festival.
Member of Percussive Arts Society
NYU Percussion Ensemble
Sittin’ in at the legendary Professional Drum Shop in Hollywood, CA with Jerry Keyawa and his Vintage Ludwig kit.
Recording Studio - Edmonton, Alberta - 1983
255 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Chicago Drum Show - 2017
Craviotto Factory - 2023
Louie Bellson
I first met Louie while I was still in High School and playing in the MVHS Stage Band. In 1975 Louie would’ve been around 51 and at the height of his powers. I would catch his “Big Band Explosion” at Disneyland’s Tomorrow Land Stage and Carnation Gardens where I also saw Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich’s bands. Louie was such a huge influence on me and my approach to Swing Music. I just feel so fortunate to have had the chance to hear him along with Buddy, Tony Williams and other great drummers of the day. Great memories. Thanks Louie.
Joe Sample
I only got to see and hear the Jazz Crusaders one time, but thank goodness for that opportunity as the band from Houston, Texas was a huge musical influence on me coming up. Stix Hooper’s Jazz and R&B drumming informs my own playing to this day. But even more, is the piano style and compositions of Joe Sample. The soulful cuts “Freedom Sounds” and “Sweetwater” are just two of Joe’s tunes that really strike a chord with this devoted fan. Thanks Joe.
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