Session Woodwinds Sax, Flute

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I have recently recorded an album. I produced the record, wrote all the arrangements, and performed all four of my saxophones on it. My band went from a quintet to thirteen piece mini-bigband. I am proud of the arrangements that I wrote and I think the recording yielded some truly magical moments.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on some interesting takes on some old material.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Daniel Ware

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Do I have to choose? Analog is infinite and can't be replaced but where possible let's use digital to help.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I will do my best to make the best product possible.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I like creative process most of all.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Can your instruments do this? Let's find out.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: You are born with talent. No matter how good some people think I sound I am trying to get better every day.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sound are you looking for

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Be clear, and tell me what you think.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Saxophone, Flute, Computer, Solar Charging pack, fishing pole?

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I have been performing and recording for the last 15 years. I first started playing in the city with the likes of Gregory Porter. I began recording on a bunch of Jazz recordings while on the New York scene. I then moved to China briefly where I played with one of their biggest artists, Khalil Fong. After that, I began traveling the world and recording with artists like Grammy and Tony award-winning Dee Dee Bridgewater; Grammy-nominated Theo Croker; Grammy and Tony award-winning Jennifer Holliday; and Multi-Platinum Recording artist J-Cole.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My personal music is heavily influenced by 90's hip hop, Gospel, Jamaican Church music, Jazz, and R&B.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Stevie Wonder, he's a legend and I've learned a lot by listening to his music. It would be an honor to actually say I worked with him.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Make sure you control your space first.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: My biggest credits have been on hip hop tracks but I do a lot of Jazz

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: I play the saxophone extremely well.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I try to be as appropriate as possible when fitting into a sonic landscape. I am also a skilled improviser and understand harmony well.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I work pretty systematically, first I will map out what needs to be done, write out music if necessary, and perform and edit.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a few different recording rigs. My main runs with a Slate Digital Audio Virtual Microphone setup. I also can record multiple tracks. I have multiple instruments: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone Sax; Flute and Piccolo; Alto and Regular Clarinet; an Oboe; Full Drumset; and a 5 String Ibenez bass.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: I love Stevie Wonder, Little Dragon, EW+F, John Coltrane, Ernie Henry, Richard Smallwood, and a host of others.

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I mostly lay down horn lines and take solos for clients.