At the age of 15, my best friend informed me that
I needed to learn to play guitar for a band that he was forming. Who knows if I would have come to the instrument on my own, but that did prove to be
a important turning point. I went on to play in various rock and top 40 bands for the next five years. Then, while studying Graphic Design in college, I heard recordings by Pat Martino --“Live” and George Benson “The Cooker” and my musical direction was abruptly altered. I began studying with Richmond guitarist, Jerry Fields. Jerry introduced me to Joe Pass, Tal Farlow and Django Reinhardt. My personal study led me to Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery and ultimately, Jim Hall.

After graduating from art school, I went to Boston to study jazz guitar and composition at Berklee College of Music. I studied with Jon Damian and Brett Wilmont but a huge part of my guitar education took place in the clubs at night. I moved back to the Richmond area upon completing two year's study in Boston and formed “RoundTrip Jazz Quartet” with local trumpeter Brenner Pugh and bassist, Armand Beaudoin. RoundTrip played extensively in the Richmond area. In 1986, I moved to St. Louis , Missouri .There, I played with saxophonist Willie Aikens; Steps Ahead bassist, Tom Kennedy; Paul Butterfield drummer, Phillip Wilson and legendary Organist Richard “Groove” Holmes among others. It was with “Groove” Holmes that I played the Louisville Jazz Festival in 1989. During this time, I was also active in bringing my jazz trio into the St. Louis school system in a concert/workshop format in an effort to expose elementary school students to Jazz music.

Since my return to Richmond in June 1999, I've worked with vocalist Rene Marie; pianist/saxophonist Skip Gayles; vocalist Terri Simpson; bassists Rusty Farmer and Joe Sarver and many more. I continue to lead my own jazz group as well as perform in duo, solo and other small group formats -- performing standards, jazz standards and original compositions.

I'm particularly excited about my Brazilian project -- a duo/trio together with bassist Joe Sarver assembled to perform bossa nova, samba and other material by Brazilian composers such as AC Jobim, Joao Donato, Baden Powell, Trio da Paz and others. I've had a passion for this wonderful music for quite some time, now and it's good to be able to bring it to an audience!