I was a listener before I was a player. I was a player before I heard my own voice. I heard my own voice before I emerged from hibernation. And my voice softly exclaimed, “Dude, it’s time to wake UP!” Like “Elevator Operator”, I learned to listen to the vibrations of the world, of nature, of song, and to sing out at a young age. I surrounded myself with music. Headphones attached to amplifiers attached to turntables, spinning vinyl, were my escape and my joy. As I moved through school, I picked up the trumpet in Concert Band, Bass guitar in Jazz, Snare in Marching Band and Double Bass in the Orchestra. The Bass Guitar was always my calling, though.
Over the years I have played with a multitude of musicians in a carnival of genres. All have had their place in my evolution as a musician and a Bass player. What is essential for me now is sharing my voice with other musicians that vibrate positivity, empathy, compassion, humor and love. These values guide me not only as a performer but as a dad, a music teacher, and as a human.
Elevator Operator appeared to me at exactly the right time, as so many things do. Scott, a long-time brother in rhythm and the drummer for Elevator Operator, gave me a ring and suggested I audition for a Bass Player opening in the group. Well, the music instantly spoke to me, melodically, lyrically, and rhythmically. I thought, “I’ve got some work to do and some charts to learn!” I noticed the importance of friendship and bonds between band mates. I worked harder. This was a “tribe” I wanted to roll with.
And here I am…on the bio page, honored to be a “Bear”. I totally jive on the creative process with Noah, Ivy, Daniel and Scott. Such remarkable musicians and authentic people. I am thrilled that I’m laying down grooves again. And I am calling out from the highest peak, “I am in love with life and this incredible journey!”
