About

Training...

• 1970-1973: Piano lessons - my piano teacher was a retired concert pianist who spent most of his time travelling the world.  When he got back in town much of my lesson was spent looking at travel pictures.  In three years I think I managed to get part of the way through the second John W. Schaum "Red Book"
• 1975: Bass guitar lessons - I attempted to take 3 or 4 formal lessons but what I saw written on the page was just too much to wrap my mind around and my head, ears and hands went on strike (they still get very temperamental when a written bass part is thrown in front of me).
• 1974 - Present - On the job experience and countless hours playing along with recordings when I'm not playing live.

Other Talents/Expertise...

• vocals  (lead & background - bass/baritone range)
• acoustic guitar
• keyboard (basic)
• worship leader (Grantham BIC: 2004-2005; Harrisburg BIC 2005-2007)
• worship service design ('post-modern') committee member (Grantham BIC: 2004-2005)
• worship technology team leader (audio & projection, various churches) (1976-2001)
• bass player and driver with Karen Wheaton (1981-1982)
• bass player, driver and road manager with Marvin Matthews (1982)
• artist representative for Marvin Matthews (1986)
• bass player and luggage crew chief (LOL!) with Festival of Praise/Spurrlows (1982-1983)

Session Work...

• 1980 - Second Chance (Christian Pop/Rock/Funk/Jazz)
• 1999 - Brother-2-Brother (Christian Rap)
• 2006 - 3 Days Journey (Christian Rock/Pop)
• 2007 - Nathan Isaac & Muse, "Joy" (live Jazz)
• 2008 - United Voices of Praise:  (Urban Gospel)

Tools of the Trade...

• Conklin Groove Tools GTBD-7 Bill Dickens Signature seven string bass guitar
• Vantage VA900B bass guitar  (the "Tone Monster")
• Cort Curbow 5 five string bass guitar with Aguilar electronics and Bartolini pickup upgrades
• Eden Nemesis NA650 bass amplifier
• Avatar SB112 Delta LF speaker cabinet
• Zoom B2.1u multi-effects pedal (I seldom uses effects and prefer a more natural sound)
• Radial Engineering "Bassbone"
• Tacoma EKK19-C acoustic guitar custom-built by Tacoma Guitars

A few of my musical influences...

Abraham Laboriel, Sr., Brian Bromberg, Nathan East, Marcus Miller, Wayman Tisdale and Verdine White.

Recommendations and thoughts for aspiring bass players...

Listen to a LOT of different styles and bass players; don't limit yourself (this will also allow you to develop your own identity rather than be known as another "sounds like...")!  When you hear something that causes your ears to perk up, try to do it yourself.  Develop your ear and learn how to play spontaneously.  Learn to play the neck - push yourself to learn the character of notes played at different locations.  Play with passion and sensitivity; with enough practice anyone can play with flashiness, but it's knowing how to meld passion and sensitivity into your role that will create a living foundation for the other musicians to build upon.  Music is a conversation and, in really good music, the members will listen and enter into a conversation with their instrument.  Don't just be in the music for YOU, be in it for the rest of the band, too!  Be authentic

Some of the incredibly talented folks with whom I have had the privilege of making music...

More Trivia for those who still haven't had enough...

Family Trivia: My wife, Lynda, and I were married August 3, 1985.   We have two sons, Ryan and Corey, and a Silky-Poo pup named Marty.

Favorite Foods: southern style BBQ, prime rib, crab cakes, fresh corn on the cob, collard greens, and sour cherry pie (especially Lynda's!).

Favorite Vacation Spots: Duck, NC;  St. Augustine, FL;  Disney World;  Nashville, TN; Gatlinburg, TN.

Favorite Authors: A.W. Tozer, Rick Warren, Gary Thomas

Bass Guitar Facts: I have never owned a Fender bass but would consider buying one if it made the difference in getting my dream gig / recording project.

Playing Fact: I am a "lefty" who plays "righty".

Dream bass: Clover Avenger 6 (blackburst) or Clover Xpression xp15.6

Work History
Here are the jobs I have held through the years that have helped support me in my love of music...