You are obviously super-creative and highly focused. Have you always been that way?

It’s interesting you say that. I’m feel like I’m a squirrel just searching for a nut… Maybe it’s the way I was raised? I always figure that I could be doing more. Almost every great artist will tell you, and believe me I’ve asked many of them, creativity on its own will only get you so far. You gotta put in the time and the effort to master the necessary skills to access… the real potential of that creativity.

For me, my first passion was music. Initially, the electric bass spoke to me, then the acoustic bass. Eventually, the world of the orchestra opened up, and that became a big part of who I am.

Care to share a few details?

I’ve been really fortunate. I’ve been able to tour the world, I not sure that I can even remember all the countries I’ve been to. Europe is always a blast. Performing at The Hollywood Bowl certainly has to be a highlight, it’s on every musician’s bucket list. Working with Elton John, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, The Eagles, Mel Torme and Jack Jones - it doesn’t’t get any better than that! I even got to conduct the Metropole Orchest - the recording orchestra of the Netherlands.

What’s it like to work with such icons?

It’s so interesting that you ask. Every single one of them has an incredible work ethic. They challenge you to be your best, how to work effectively as a team, while at the same time showing you how important it is to really be present in the moment.  Mel Torme once confided in me and it’s as true today as when he said it. “When negotiating - always be willing to give something up. It leaves everyone else feeling like they’ve won.” Wouldn’t it be great if everyone thought like that?

You’re originally from the East Coast and now in LA. What’s that like?

I love it. I brought my east coast energy to the west coast. I’ve always been hungry to learn more, I began working on film soundtracks such as The Lion King and the Ice Age films, while performing locally and recording with orchestras and jazz groups. And here’s what’s interesting- with every session, some new insight appeared. Life lessons were everywhere! Who was humble and who was full of themselves? Who was willing to follow direction versus who needed to constantly assert their ego into every artistic decision. I‘m not sure who said it - that ancient Greek philosopher or the guy who sold me a late-night Philly cheesesteak, but the message still rings true, “Remain silent and be thought a fool, or open your pie-hole and remove all doubt.” At this point… I’m thinking it was probably that Greek guy?