Here's the skinny...
I started playing percussion when I was six years old. 10 years later, I officially became a professional musician at the age of 16. I have studied at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. Some of my teachers include: Gary Novak, Dan Tomlinson, Jim Chapin, Joe La Barbera and Frank Briggs.
Currently, I play accompaniment for dance classes in the Vanderbilt University dance department. I regularly work as a session drummer with Nashville musicians and producers. Recently, some of my collaborators include: Jordan Allena, Michelle Rene, Morgan Alexander, Landis Frier, Goffrey Moore, Jim Beach, Brian Chartrand, and John Moore. Additionally, I gig regularly throughout the Nashville area with various artists playing showcases and other various gigs..
What All This Experience Means for You
I have a rare combination of extensive experience, formal education, passionate dedication and genuine interest in making your music the best it can possibly be. Let's talk.
The Full Details
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Currently working for Vanderbilt University Dance Dept.
Recording sessions with: Jordan Allena, Michelle Rene, Morgan Alexander, Landis Frier, Goffrey Moore, Jim Beach,
Brian Chartrand, and John Moore
Live gigs with various artists through out the Nashville area
Formal Education
Music Education Major at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University
Studied Afro-Cuband Percussion for 6 years
Studied Brazilian Folk music and percussion
Studied with
Gary Novak - Chick Corea, Alanis Morrisette, Bob Berg, Robben Ford, George Benson, Chaka Khan.....many more
Dan Tomlinson - Lyle Lovette, Acoustic Alcemy, Sabian Clinician
Joe La Barbera - Bill Evans, Tony Bennett, Woody Herman
Frank Briggs - Mike Keneally, Beer For Dolphins, Atlantic Starr
Don Famularo - Clinician & educator for Sabian
Jim Chapin - Jazz Clinician & Educator
Dom Moio - Phoenix musician, A.S.U. & M.C.C. instructor
Pete Magadini - Don Menza, Mose Allison, Don Ellis
Playing Experience
Professional since age 16, full-time working musician for the past 15yrs
Leader/Coordinator/Sideman for private events, weddings, birthdays, holiday events, and Bar Mitzvah's; in the Westeran state such as: Arizona, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and Texas
Played with Ernie Watts as a special guest with GCC Big Band
Musicals & Shows
Annie and South Pacific for City of Gilbert
Jesus Christ Super Star for the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat for the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
GodSpell for the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
All Earl Band with KNIX Country Radio Station with Tim & Willy and National Country acts including:
opened for: Aaron Tippin, Blake Shelton, Tracy Lawrence, Jimmy Wayne, Wynonna Judd
played with: Tracy Lawrence, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Joe Nichols, Jimmy Wayne, Wynonna Judd, Charlie Daniels
Musical Influences
Singer/Songwriters: Sting (also The Police), Bob Dylan, John Mayer, Joni Mitchell, Ray LaMontagne, Paul Simon, Rickie Lee Jones, Jonatha Brooke, Peter Gabriel, U2, Train, Counting Crows, Keith Urban, Billy Joel, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Ray Charles, Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, Rufus Wainwright, Ryan Adams, and many others
Jazz/Fusion Music: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans(piano), Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Robben Ford, Michael Landau, Jaco Pastorious, Monk, Weather Report, Allan Holdsworth, Mike Stern, Joey Calderazzo, and many more
Drummers & Percussionists: " I do listen to A LOT of different drummers in all genres of music. A lot of the music, style-wise, I listen to usually has these 6 guys most of the time. They are: Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Porcaro, Gary Novak, Abe Laboriel Jr., Matt Chamberlain, and Steve Jordan."
