Where do you see yourself in five years and what vehicles are you driving?

I see myself continuing to teach school band, composing original songs, and performing in Myrtle Beach, SC. I imagine myself driving in my new Mitsubishi Spyder.

How do you classify your original music?

I classify my original works as Funky Jazz or what I prefer to call Fazz.

What inspires you to compose music?

Inspiration comes from ideas planted in my head by listening to other artists or my own creative angle that to my knowledge has not been duplicated.

Name a few of your all time favorite recorded songs?

‘In the Stone’ by Earth Wind and Fire is simply one of the best written songs ever. ‘Birdland’ as recorded by Many Ferguson single handedly cemented my interest in music, particularly in Jazz. My former band director first played this song for my high school Jazz band when I was in ninth grade and it hooked me. ‘Open Sesame’ by Kool and The Gang is possibly the greatest horn featured song ever produced.

Tell us about some of the bands you played with before NTRANZE?

When I joined the Tony Blunt Project in Myrtle Beach, SC in 1996 both Grady Avery and I became band mates intermittently up until 1998. It is awesome working with Grady again as apart of NTRANZE. I am the founder of The Funk Feelharmonic band. We performed throughout the Huntington, WV area and Myrtle Beaches Grand Strand from 2001 through 2003. I am happy to share the NTRANZE stage with good friends, particularly Abram Jackson who also played keyboards in Funk Feelharmonic.

When performing live with NTRANZE is there certain stage aspects that excite you?

My excitement increases by the fact that every time I step on stage I feel joined with five musicians who dedicate their energies to putting on the best live show. I love performing. However, being in sync with the enjoyment we all express as a unit really motivates me. My motivation increases that much more and I want to do my part in making NTRANZE the best live act possible.

Do you have favorite cover songs in which NTRANZE illustrates their unified performance?

I really enjoy our interpretation of ‘September’ by Earth Wind and Fire. Songs do not come any higher with energy than this. When we play ‘Celebration’ by Kool and The Gang we are delivering the national party anthem, everyone answers the call to celebrate. ‘Play that Funky Music’ by Wild Cherry is my theme song when I attended college. NTRANZE is keeping this song alive for present and future generations.

If you could play any venue in the world, where would you choose?

If Ricky Martin can play the white House in Washington, DC I hope one day I receive an invitation.

What is your favorite way to relax?

The best relaxation is after a good sleep, not being awakened. Hanging around with friends and having a few good drinks at the local bars is also relaxing.

What is your vision for success and how can it help the world?

My idea of success is that no matter what the bottom line, always living to make oneself happy is essential. I maintain specific creeds. First, be nice to others and do not judge a long the journey. Secondly, I live my life with happiness as the only goal so I can assist those I love with their own happiness. Finally, I truly believe everyone needs to make their funeral standing room only.