(KU!) Tell us about yourself and what it was like growing up. Were you in a musical family? Access to instruments at home/school? etc.
My parents weren't pro musicians, but we had a musical household with great records playing all the time. My dad was an amateur drummer, and huge music nerd. He loved Jazz, Reggae, Funk, Fusion, Rock, Soul, etc. and had me on a steady listening diet of the good stuff from a young age.
(KU!) Who were some of your influences in the Bay Area? What were you listening to when you were younger?
One of my first concert experiences was Joshua Redman's Elastic Band with Sam Yahel and Brian Blade at Yoshi's in Oakland. I was obsessed with that band. It was also cool growing up around people like Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusire, Howard Wiley, Justin Brown, Josiah Woodson, etc. I really looked up to those guys, and I still do. I also had some great teachers and musical mentors growing up: Khalil Shaheed, Charles McNeal, Susan Muscarella, Richard Howell, Ian Willson and others. They were all instrumental in my development.
(KU!) Has your perspective about music changed over the years?
Yes! In many ways. I think my musical goals are much clearer than they used to be. I used to feel very overwhelmed by the vastness of this artform, and I still am, but now I think I know what I need to work on to move forward with the specific goals that I have set for myself. I know that those goals aren't the "end-all-be-all" of music, but they just might occupy me for the rest of my life, and that's good enough for me.
(KU!) What are some of your favorite places to play?
Over the years I have developed some great relationships with different clubs. As artists, we really need help in creating a space for the art, the venues are so important! I've played multiple times at these spots and I'm always grateful when they invite me back: The Jazz Gallery, Bar Bayeux, The Black Cat, Bar Lunático, Ornithology, Mr Tipples, CloseUp, Loove Labs.
(KU!) Do you have a top favorite concert/gig that you performed? If so, describe why it's your favorite
I recently played a sold-out show with my trio at the SFJAZZ Joe Henderson Lab in San Francisco. It was a really fun show playing with some great friends and musicians, and we got the opportunity to play for a lot of new sets of ears. As much work as it is to create the art itself, it's a whole 'nother job to get your music out to where it can be heard by the people who need it. When that happens I know I did something right.
(KU!) What projects are you working on now?
I continue to host the Monday Night jam sessions at Ruth. It's a weekly workshop for me, I get to play my tunes with the best rhythm sections, constantly developing my connection with the musicians, and the songs. It is a beautiful community to be a part of too. Come hang with us!
(KU!) Any specific goals you have for the near future?
I'm really looking forward to my next album release - a trio record with Tyrone Allen, and Kayvon Gordon, coming out on La Reserve Records, April 17th, 2026
(KU!) How did you hear about KEYED UP!? Can you say what KU! means to you as a musician in NYC?
Making ends meet as a working musician in the city is really tough, even if you're a great player who is willing to bust their behind to put things together. A lot of times, the money just still doesn't add up. KEYED UP steps in for me and so many of my peers to help ensure that we can get paid a living wage for our blood sweat and tears. And the whole community benefits! Thank you!