Background and Experience
Having always played music from a young age beginning with piano, I focused on voice as my main instrument when I studied jazz at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2007.
While at USC, I was an active member of various ensembles, including the contemporary a cappella group USC Reverse Osmosis, and the USC Trojan Marching Band and Concert Band as an instrumentalist, playing tenor saxophone and flute, respectively. Within each group I held peer-elected leadership positions of assistant musical director and section leader.
From 2004 to 2018 I fronted LA-based indie reggae band Penny Reel as the singer and main songwriter. During the mid-2000s boom of the traditional reggae scene in LA, Penny Reel shared the stage with many notable acts. Together with my bandmate and writing partner Brandon Niznik (aka Wise Owl), we played frequently around the LA area and recorded regularly, teaming up on many creative projects. Thanks to Penny Reel being known in the Los Angeles reggae community, I received and graciously accepted many offers to collaborate with other artists both on stage and in the studio.
Style and Genre
Reggae is by far my favorite style to perform, compose, and sing. Tastily stacked harmonies are my bread and butter! Reggae lends itself really well to 3-part harmonies that are most pleasing to my ear. Outside of that, the timbre and tone of my voice lends itself well to cool jazz and indie folk pop vibes.
Being an experienced instrumentalist, I regard my voice as another dynamic instrument to be used in creative ways. Spending four years in a contemporary a cappella group while at university expanded the ways in which I use my voice from an instrumental approach when adding background layers to a composition.
Notable Collaborations
Wrote and recorded an original song to a classic reggae riddim by legendary Jamaican artist, B.B. Seaton (listen below under “Lead Vocal & Songwriting”)
Performed live singing background vocals with another Jamaican reggae legend, Ken Boothe (see video clips here!)
Recorded with prominent East Coast based ska and reggae band Westbound Train, as well as the solo project of lead singer Obi Fernandez (listen below under “Background Vocals & Harmonies”)
Performed and recorded with renowned ska and reggae artist Chris Murray (listen below under “Background Vocals & Harmonies”)
Recorded with Jukebox 101, a side project of Jesse Wagner and Jeff Rofredo, members of the well-known LA reggae band The Aggrolites (listen below under “Lead Vocals - Others’ Compositions”)
Recorded with acclaimed artist Hayley Jane & The Primates (listen on “More Music page”)
Performed several shows around the Basque country in Spain with eminent band Esne Beltza
Took Penny Reel on tour in Iceland and collaborated with New York based band Side Saddle