Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, I started playing drums at the age of 11, and was self-taught, until I joined the middle school band, where I got my introduction into rudiments, and chart reading. I played religiously all through middle school, high school, and thereafter, in several bands. I’ve played all sorts of venues from tiny smoke-filled dive bars, to venues such as House of Blues – Dallas, etc…, and touched many genres of music from rock, to blues, to progressive, to fusion, to metal, and some stuff that I still don’t think there’s a label for, as well as session work for various projects. Needless to say, my drumming influences include a broad list of players, and styles. However, I’d have to say that some of my biggest influences, in no particular order, are: John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix), Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull), Barriemore Barlowe (Jethro Tull), Neil Peart (RUSH), Jeff Porcaro (Toto), and Steve Smith (Journey).
After taking a break from playing for almost a decade, a couple of my childhood friends and I decided to put a band together. So, I dusted off the drums, bought some new sticks, and it all started over again.
I currently play in two rock cover bands, Money for Nothing, and Hollow Point, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and have an original project in the works.
When I decided to replace my decades old cymbals, I did a lot of research and ear-testing.
At the urging of my good friends, and fellow Soultone endorsing artists Dan “Nice “ Cuniff, Dave Gregston, and John Doolin, I decided to give Soultone Cymbals a try, and am I ever glad that I did!
I will put these cymbals up against any other cymbal out there, without question. These cymbals are quite simply amazing. The sound and feel are unlike any other cymbal I’ve ever played, and I’ve pretty much played them all.
After my purchase, I decided to go for an endorsement deal, and was pleasantly surprised to get it.
I’d like to thank Iki, and the rest of the Soultone crew for welcoming me into the family, and I look forward to a long partnership.