|
I first realized that
I was interested in music when I was nine years old I would tune
in to the Larry Ferrari show. I was fascinated by the way he
operated the Hammond organ. At that point I knew I wanted to
play the piano, organ and keyboard.
The first instrument that
I played was the accordion at the age of 9. I remember performing
at the Trenton War Memorial in 1963 in front of a couple hundred
people. I was so excited about that I could not wait for the
next engagement. When I was around 12 I remember my uncle was
studying the drums, so when I found this out we would start to
jam on Sundays. This went on for a while until I formed my first
musical group, which included drums, bass, guitar and keys. The
name of the group was Chrome Waterfall. Strange name but we performed
at least twice a month, which was a lot back in the 60's. While
in high school I remember being introduced to a guitar player
by the name of Paul Plumeri, great blues player. We would play
the clubs in the area for exposure and for pay. This was good
experience for all of us. From there I worked with the Joe Frazier
Band for a short stint. I performed with Monet Sudler, Clifford
Adams, and Charles Fambrough. I would have to say that my Uncle
Nick who played drums when I was starting out led me to pursue
my musical career further. He kept telling that I was a natural
and that I should continue to study the keys. My influences are
Oscar Peterson, Joe Sample, McCoy Tyner, and Billy Joel to name
a few.
The way I connected
with Exit45 was strange to say the least. I belonged to the Professional
Musicians Referral and I saw an ad for a keyboard player and
the contact person's name was Clarence Johns, I called and the
rest is history. One of the things that I enjoy about Exit45
is that they are original and so is their music. I am very positive
in the direction that Exit45 is pursuing. Everyone seems to have
the same goals in mind, to be recognized as a truly eclectic
band.
|
|
