March 2, 2023
The last few years have been a whirlwind, but it’s all been good. Let’s get you caught up:
I caught Covid over Christmas 2021.
A brand new tour with Oddisee was confirmed to begin in September of 2022, but was then canceled because of low pre-sale tickets.
Deborah Bond released Compass 1.5. A complete remix of her previous album Compass 1, all done by me.
Oddisee’s North American tour carried on a month later.
My basement flooded Christmas Day 2022.
I was able to purchase a new Mac as a result (thanks State Farm).
Oddisee’s European tour has been rescheduled for spring 2023.
After a two year hiatus, my family and I are going back to a beach house this summer.
I hope this catches you all up. Thanks for staying tuned. Check out Deborah Bond’s Compass 1.5
September 22, 2021
Well, after about a year of not updating my site, I am happy to return with the news that I am back performing again. Although, I am a bit nervous and anxious about it, I am grateful to be working. This weekend, I’ll be performing 4 shows at Blues Alley with the Dave Kline Band. The band consists of Ken Avis- Guitar, Amy Bormet- Keyboards and Accordian, Zulfugar Baghirov- Tenor Saxophone, Mike Echols- Bass, Lynn Veronneau- Vocals, and myself on drums. Not to mention, Dave Kline on Violin and additional guitar. In addition, there will be a special guest appearing on harmonica for a few numbers.
This is my first performance in front of an audience in over a year. Practicing safety is always my goal so you may see me masked, but it should also be noted that the venue has a strict policy of being vaccinated to enter the premises.
Hope to see some of you there!
November 27, 2020
The month of November has brought a lot of high anxiety to many people’s lives especially in the USA. From rising Covid cases, to political stress, to controlled family gatherings for Thanksgiving, it’s been quite a tiring time.
I was very fortunate to have received a call from Oddisee inquiring about a special performance hosted by Rolling Stone and VUSE.
A rooftop performance in Brooklyn (with two other bands in two other boroughs). Not quite the same effect as The Beatles performance, but just as spectacular. The scene as we walked up to a rooftop in Greenpoint overlooking the East River was insane. And it was our backdrop. Additionally, it was unseasonably warm that day so wearing our parkas and scarves only added to our fashion sense.
Enjoy this wonderful video of our 20 minute performance.
Thanks to Rolling Stone, Ludwig, Paiste, Westone, CenterStaging NYC, and Brooklyn!
October 13, 2020
Covid has been the alien from another planet invading earth and ruining our way of life this year. But it hasnt knocked us all out.
I present to you, the second installment of Oddisee and Good Compny at NPR Tiny Desk HOME Concert 2020.
Featuring Priya Ragu, Saint Ezekiel, and Olivier St Louis.
We all got together to put this performance together in York, PA. A few weeks after the release of Oddisee’s “Odd Cure” EP.
Enjoy!
July 22, 2020
Three years ago, I received a call from a DC legend, Priest da Nomad. I used to watch as he and several emcees sat in on jam sessions with Federico Pena, Marshall Keys, and Sean Rickman every Wednesday in Adams Morgan. The phone call was to inquire about music for a brand new LP. In 2019,
“The Manhood Project” was released with two of my tracks blessing the project. It became a high profiled album coming out of DC in years, most prominently into all the social injustice it met at this time.
In addition, I was asked to also play drums on a music video for the song “Motivation” produced by another DC legend that also came up with Priest through the jam session in the mid 90’s, Kokayi. It features he, Deborah Bond, and some very familiar faces. I am proud to be a part of this album in so many facets and hope you enjoy it.
July 20, 2020
Ludwig asked me to demo their NEUSONIC line which was introduced to the world at NAMM 2018. In January of that year, 4 incredible drummers and myself traveled to Monroe, North Carolina to visit the Ludwig factory and play the new line. Out of the box, the sound is huge with amazing tone. That’s the maple with hints of cherry wood you hear. Just listen to that kick drum.The snare is the 5x14 Heirloom brass. I will upload two more solos from this series so stay tuned!
Specs:
12" rack
13" rack
14" floor
16" floor
22" kick
5 x 14" Heirloom snare
Paiste cymbals:
10" Formula 602 ME Slash
15" Masters Dark Hats
18" Formula 602 ME Crash
20" Formula 602 ME Crash
20" Masters Dark Ride
22” Formula 602 ME Ride
April 14, 2020
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, all of my shows and tours have been cancelled through the summer. This is a disappointing and emotional time for all, but necessary in order to provide you with a promising and inspirational new beginning in the future.
In the meantime, I will be releasing some treats, new EPs, and videos.
Also, don’t forget to check out all the DJs doing LIVE streams on YouTube and Instagram. Questlove has done 3 weeks straight of incredible DJ sessions complete with amazing stories (check out his Easter session on 4.12.2020 where he connects songs from Prince and Kool and the Gang…OMG!!).
I wish you all the best. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay home. Look after and respect each other (especially the elderly). See you on the other side of this.
February 10, 2020
My debut solo drum project is available for download and streaming on my soundcloud. Batteries Not Included is a compilation of Dilla instrumentals with LIVE drums performed by myself. Enjoy 20 minutes of some of your favorite Dilla beats played LIVE.