Welcome, hope you find what your looking for! I have listed some names in the(influences)area. I feel that these musicians have made a difference and huge impact in the modern day bass world, and playing today! I actually suggest that you listen to many "if you haven't yet" of these artists! Their music can only help you on your way to the "icing" without forgetting where the "cake" lies! I am a 29 year old bassist, that has been involved in music most of my life. I started playing piano when i was 3, then went to guitar at age 5. I learned guitar easily, then dropped it cause it was to easy for me. While still playing piano, i found interest in drums and percussion. That lasted untill i was 7 because of discouragement in elementry school. My music teachers really couldn't teach music to someone that knew music already. I still kept on playing piano untill i was 10, and picked up a violin. At that time my main study was Paganini, and other classical studies. Still playing piano as well as violin untill i was almost 16. Violin was cool to me, but i kept on wanting to pluck and use fingers, i think because of being a Pianist for soo long. Plus it wasn't the in thing at the time. But i still played Violin for my own self enjoyment.

Then, on my 16th birthday, my neighbor had an old double bass "early to mid 1800's but from unknown origin" That i would play on from time to time. Well, yes he did give it to me and the first song i played on it was Stanley Clarke "Desert Song" from School days. I had already been listening to all of the bassist that did solo stuff, but it had never dawned me to play the bass. While still playing piano, upright, and electric bass. I put piano to only twice a week, to study more on bass. Since then, i have aquired degrees for my studies. Which are, a Doctorate in violin, "and in two months Bass and Piano", Majors in Theory, Guitar, Percussion, and World.

One of the Biggest mistakes i have ever made in my career was, in my younger days. I aquired a mid 70's Alembic, and after a few years "STUPID ME" i sold the Alembic for a custom King Bass and a SWR set up. Since then my X-WIFE @#$*&^! @(!#* has that bass and amp set up! But soon after divorce, i bought my 1773 Italian double:) and haven't put it down since!

With all that said and this to end it. I think publicity is cool, especially to make it big. But i'm happier here with my family and friends, and now "rarely" do any big events! Also being a Teacher/Mentor that donates time, to get kids off the street, and into music!

Well, by no means am i the greatest bassist in the world, but in my own mind i am. I take in the influences from poeple but, I don't idolize them! I hold a high respect for bassists that make a difference But, don't we all? I used to save the best for last, Until my second heart attack! My nature was to learn by ear, but isn't that where music originated from any way? Yes i can play piano but, i'm not Bach! I don't play speed metal but, i do play Paganini, and very well! I'm just another person that has the same tastes and influences as you, although i'm not better than you, we do share the same interset!...........(03/11/03).....................As many of you know, i had a stroke some time ago. Recently at PT i had another relapse! Although i no longer can use my left arm, i still do play somewhat, but now mostly teach. I want to take this time to thank ALL of you for your support through out! Peace, Doc

Musical Influences

• Bromberg / Ray Brown / Clarke / Flea / Garrison
• Hamm /Jaco / Levin / Mingus / Manring / Miller / Nitti
• Patitucci / Mike Pope / Rainey / Sheehan / Wooten

Favorite Recordings

• Brian Bromberg Wood
• Vic Wooten Yin Yang
• Stan the Man School days

Favorite Lessons

• How To Practice For Your Ears (#6097)
  by Clifton Jackson (35557)
• Bach Minuet For Bass (#3178)
  by Robert Claypool (31536)