My Billy Porter Story
I met Billy Porter in 2004, before he was a Grammy, Emmy, and 2x Tony Award winner. I only knew him as a singer who was booked on some of the event and award shows I was doing at the time. The first project we worked on was the launch for Lunesta, a sleeping […]
My Jeff Porcaro Story
On August 5, 1992 I was working on the half time shuffle section of my Complete Modern Drum Set book at my home in Burbank, CA. A friend called to tell me the news. I had spent the previous day listening and transcribing Jeff and Bernard Purdie performances featuring their signature groove. I was thinking […]
Rhythm Magazine Review – 1988
I sent a demo tape to Rhythm Magazine (Drum!) before I moved from Syracuse, NY in 1988. I recorded a 4 song demo of ideas I created with an old Ensoniq SQ80 synthesizer/workstation. I just found all the pieces for this post, even the photo. I thought the recordings were long gone, and just found […]
Toyota Session
In 2001 I was hired to compose 45 minutes of music for a Toyota event at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The music was choreographed by Christopher Harrison, and performed by his acrobatic troupe ‘AntiGravity‘. The producers requested a Cirque Du Soleil vibe. I played all the instruments, except guitar, which was masterfully handled by […]
Minako Honda Session
This was my very first pro recording session when I moved to Los Angeles. Many thanks to my friend Scott Sheets (Pat Benatar) who believed I could pull this session off. Minako Honda (RIP) was Japan’s equivalent to Britney Spears, I recorded these 2 songs, which appeared on her 1989 EMI/Sony Japan release. These […]
Swamp Thang Sessions
I recorded 2 albums with Frank Macchia’s ‘Swamp Thang’ in 2011-12. Almost all of the tracks were recorded at my studio in North Hollywood. Frank’s previous albums featured Vinnie Colaiuta, and Peter Erskine on drums.. so yeah, I was slightly nervous. The musical concept was Dr. John meets Frank Zappa. So, there are second […]
Western Vacation Sessions
Recorded at Steve Vai’s studio, Hollywood California in 1995. I played Dean Castronovo’s huge set that he left there, as they were mic’ed and ready to go. Features a bunch of guys you’ve probably never heard of. I wasn’t happy with the way these tunes came out, or that band for various reasons.
St. Clair Sessions
There was at least a 7 year period between my recordings on this album. The first 3 were recorded at Wayne Cook’s (Steppenwolf/Player) studio in Glendale, CA, and were originally John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting) sessions. John’s vocal was replaced. The last two were recorded at the now defunct Master Control Studio in Burbank. Vinnie […]
Chris Poland’s “Ohm” Sessions
I toured with this band for a few months in 2008. Chris Poland is the lead guitarist on a few of Megadeth’s biggest albums. This was recorded at Downtown Rehearsal Studios in one day. I used my Noble & Cooley CD Maple set for these tracks. There are some moments. No click, played live […]
Mike Keneally Sessions
I toured with Mike Keneally in 1997 on the “Thanks Toss” tour. I was basically subbing for Toss Panos who took over the chair when I got back. It was an interesting experience. I was going through a lot of personal stuff at the time and thought getting away for awhile was the answer, […]
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