Lessons

Hello

If you've come to this page, you're probably looking for information about bass lessons from me.

if you're interested, you can contact me here.

If you want, here's some information that might be of help.

WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU

My goal when giving lessons is to help the student achieve what he or she wants to do.

If you want to brush up your technique, that's what we'll do.

If you want to study harmony and theory and how they can be approached on the bass, that's what we'll do.

If you want to work on tone production, that's what we'll do.

If you want to work on groove, that's what we'll do.

If you're interested in developing strategies and vocabulary in improvisation, that's what we'll work on.

If your goal is to improve in anf or all these areas, that's what we'll work on.

I believe in giving lessons, not just an hour of my time. If the lesson needs to go longer than an hour, that's what we'll do (within reason). If you need to make a phone call or e-mail for some later clarification, i'm there.

WHO I AM

I've been playing bass for 40 years (yep, i'm old).

I toured nationally and recorded major label albums with jazz artist Les McCann from the ages of 19 to 23.

Then i went back to music school, studying classical bass and getting to the third chair in the orchestra at CSUN.

I toured Europe and the United States with noted saxophonist Julius Hemphill in my late 20s, playing numerous festivals and Lincoln Center here in the U.S.

I started a rock band that recorded and released an album for a major label.

I toured with singer-songwriter Michael Penn in the early '90s

I've articles and reviews written about my playing and compositions by numerous publications.

I was voted as a "rising star" in the 2005 Downbeat Writer's Poll.

I've lectured and given workshops at Roosevelt University (Chicago), California Institute of the Arts and Saddleback College.

I've also played with noted jazz artists Billy Childs, Dianne Reeves, John Beasley, Nels Cline, Alex Cline, David Witham, Vinny Golia anf the World Saxophone Quartet.

I've played large oldies revues at places like the Universal (now Gibson) Ampitheater and the Greek Theater.

I've also played Carnegie Hall and on the Tonight Show (twice).

Since 1993, i have been composing and playing my own music with my own bands, releasing 18 albums under my own name or as the member of a collective group.

If you want to read press—including feature articles and reviews—on me, please go here.

If you want to see my discography, please go here.