I was honored to be asked to serve as a guest clinician and perform with the University of the Cumberlands Jazz Ensemble. I had an awesome time! Many thanks to jazz director, David Threlkeld and the students and staff. I hope to see you all again soon!
My good friend, Brett Paschal, has released a solo percussion CD entitled “About Time”. The CD features several of Brett’s compositions and arrangements and includes the 2nd and 3rd movements of Bushido. Thanks for the great performances Brett!!!
The CD is available for purchase here:
http://www.east2weststudios.com/brett/abouttimecd.html
I had a great time teaching at the University of the Cumberlands and the James Campbell Drum Camps this summer. Thanks to all the students who participated and to Evans, Innovative, Yamaha, and Hurst Music for their support!!
Congratulations to Zachary Singer, a senior at Sam Barlow High School in Gresham, Oregon, for winning first place in the timpani category at the Oregon State Solo Competition. Zachary has performed my composition, Bushido: The Way of the Warrior, at the aforementioned competition as well as his senior recital and for his entire school! Zachary is a student of my good friend, Brett Paschal. Thanks to Brett and Zachary for playing the piece!!
DOJO will perform at the Comedy Caravan on April 29th to release our new recording, “Quotient”, in Louisville.
I’m excited about playing with a new jazz group that features Jonathan Martin on trumpet, Raliegh Dailey on piano, Kevin Kehrberg on bass, and myself on drums. We play on thursday nights at Murrays Restaurant/Bar in Lexington from 6:30 to 10. Come check it out!
The new DOJO recording entitled “Quotient” will officially be released Monday, March 14th at the Comedy Off Broadway gig (8-10 PM) in Lexington. It is on the Sea Breeze label (www.seabreezejazz.com). We will also be releasing the CD in Louisville at the Comedy Caravan on April 29th and in Cincinatti at the Blue Wisp Jazz Club on June 22nd.
I presented a drumset fundamentals clinic at the Kentucky Day of Percussion on March 8th. It was a “hands on” session which covered basic jazz, bossa nova and funk drumset styles. Thanks to all the students who participated! I’d also like to thank the Kentucky chapter of PAS and my sponsors: Evans, Innovative Percussion, and Yamaha. I’ve added the clinic materials under the drumset education section of my site for anyone who’s interested.
The UK Jazz Ensemble had the honor of being selected to play the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago this past December. I had the pleasure of sitting in with the band on an Alan Baylock arrangement of Time Remembered featuring UK faculty pianist/composer Raleigh Dailey. The band also featured Bob Mintzer on several of his tunes including the premier of ‘There and Back’ commissioned for the performance. I had a fun time tagging along and the band sounded great. Thanks to Miles and the band for all their hard work!
I proud to report that Joe Frank Williams from Tennessee Tech University received first prize performing Bushido at the 2007 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Columbus, OH. Joe is a student of my good friend Eric Willie. Congratulations Joe!