YEAR: Second
MAJOR: Jazz Performance
HOMETOWN: New York City
What’s your instrument of choice? Why?
I play a bunch of different instruments. When I play jazz I play the double bass. And I play acoustic blues & gospel guitar.
Sam Cooke. Ray Charles. 50s & 60s R&B soul. Latin music. Chucho Valdes.
Who are your biggest influences?
Sam Cooke. Ray Charles. Ray Brown. The Reverend Gary Davis.
What do you do with music on/off campus?
I play in the Michael Kadnar Trio and an acoustic-pop band, Upstate Rubdown. I’m teaching lessons on campus both acoustic blues & gospel guitar and upright bass.
Any advice for aspiring musicians?
Schedule your practices. Know what you’re going to practice and for how long rather than messing around. It’s so helpful because you always get to do what you want to do.
Any advice for aspiring musicians? A.B.L., Always, Be Learning. Stay loose and be true to the song you’re playing.