Instruments/duties: 6-string bass guitar, piano, alto and soprano saxophone and a little drums
Bands you perform with: Calvary Christian Center, Amy Alysia and the Soul Operation
Day job: Director of T.I.M.E. (Technology in Music Education) Center, Instructional Support, Department of Music, Bethune-Cookman University. Also I operate Christ-Child Inc. (a video/graphic design/recording/computer support company).
Hometown: Chicago (really Evanston, Ill. -- people just don't know the area)
Current residence: Daytona Beach
Type of music you perform: Gospel, jazz, R&B, rock, fusion, funk -- just about anything that comes my way.
Repertoire sampler: Gospel covers -- "We Have Overcome," "Let the Praise Begin," "Lion of Judah," "Open Up the Sky." Other covers -- "Same Ol' Love," "Livin'," "Sensitivity," "Jazz Crimes," "Oleo," "Giant Steps."
Upcoming area gigs: Calvary Christian Center, 1687 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. Worship times: 9 and 11:30 a.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Information: 386-672-5571
Website:: christ-child.com
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
My prayer has always been that God would use me to fill the gap as it pertains to music and musicians. There is a song that says "If I looked at myself through God's eyes, would the reflection I see be like Christ?" My family has a lot of talent and we want to share it with the world one note at a time, above all keeping Jesus Christ as the head of my life and staying humble.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
Lou Rawls came to Bethune-Cookman College (University) at the time I was playing in the jazz combo, so we had a rare opportunity to perform for Lou Rawls.
I remember I was playing upright bass and what made it really a memorable gig is that we were playing this shuffle and he looks over and says, "You must be from Chicago the way you're playing that bass. Man, you play a mean axe." And all I could do was smile back, chuckle a little and nod my head. That was a great feeling coming from him.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
I thought about this for a good minute. (Late jazz bassist) Jaco (Pastorius) has always been an icon and I would have liked to have met or seen him in a concert. But since I don't have that opportunity, I would have thought even (bassist) Victor Wooten would have been ideal.
But I recently just sat down and had dinner with Grammy Award-winner Trae Pierce, an extraordinary bass player. If you get a minute look him up.
What was the last book you read?
"The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
"Extraction" by Greg Howe, Victor Wooten and Dennis Chambers
What is your favorite movie?
"Gladiator" and "Troy"
What was the best concert you ever attended?
I was in Chicago with my wife, Amina, and we went to an Ohio Players show. Also in concert with them was George Clinton, the Bar-Kays, Con Funk Shun, Slave and the Dazz Band. We had backstage passes that we got from the drummer of the Ohio Players, Mr. Courtney Girlie, and we really enjoyed ourselves until we got put off the stage. Security didn't want anyone on stage that wasn't with the P-Funk band.
Oh well, we still met the bands and everyone was cool. And just a side note -- the musicians were killin'.
"If I didn't play music, I would . . . ":
Do more technology.
"I'd sell my soul for . . .":
My soul doesn't belong to me -- it belongs to Jesus.
