Jazz and R&B.

12 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Smooth Jazz, EASY LISTENING: Crooners/Vocals



Details:
Born in Ft. Scott, Kansas, I grew up listening to Rock 'n' Roll artists like James Brown and Little Richard. Because my father was a jazz saxophonist, I also listened to the greats of his era, such as Nat "King" Cole, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald. Early on I began piano lessons and soon was playing for and singing in my church's gospel choir. I formed my own combo at the age of 12 and toured Southern Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. At 14, I moved to Los Angeles, attending Dorsey High and graduating from Los Angeles High School. I then attended Los Angeles City College for two years and Cal State L.A. for another two, majoring in music.

For several years I worked in clubs in the Southern California, performing with groups, as well as working as a solo artist in piano bars.

Many have compared my jazz singing and cabaret style to that of the late Bobby Short and Nat "King" Cole.

For five years I traveled with Crystal Cruise Lines performing in their Avenue Saloon, a posh lounge and piano bar on board ship. During that time I was able to set foot in every port in the world that a cruise ship docks in and I also did two World Cruises.

Currently I work in local piano bars in the Los Angeles area and play many private parties in the Beverly Hills area. In collaboration with the noted lyricist, Curtis Long, I have written the music to two musicals titled "Playing The Game" and "Booze, Blues and Attitude."

I am working on my next CD titled "Ain't Nothin' Like The Real Thing," which will be released in December, 2006.