From the age of five, I knew that I wanted to be a musician. I was blessed to have the support of my parents. They always expressed to me the importance of realizing that one’s story and journey is your journey to claim. They felt we should not compare our journey to others. We can be inspired and motivated by others, but should not forget that our personal journey belongs to us. My mother shared a quote with me at a young age: “You shape your own reality by the thoughts you choose.” She told me to speak my dreams into existence. Sometimes we think we know how things are going to turn out, but we never really know. What we can do is focus on creating the reality we want with our thoughts. This has been my way of thinking my entire life.
My father signed me up for double bass lessons at age 10 as part of the DC Youth Orchestra Program. Up to that point I was focused on playing West African percussion, which I had started five years earlier. It turned out that my great grandfather was a bassist in High Point, North Carolina, and taught a very young John Coltrane. My great grandfather and I actually share a birthday. My father figured it would be a good idea for me to play the bass due to that connection, and because the bass holds the time with the drums. I didn’t enjoy playing the bass in the beginning. While playing percussion, I was able to get a sound right away. Bass takes consistent practice before you can get a sound. Oftentimes I became frustrated, and was uninspired. My peers around me were advancing quickly while it took me time to develop. But I remembered that my journey was mine and not theirs. I stayed on the path and decided to learn as much as I could from what was around me.
Davey Yarborough, my mentor, lived across the street from my godparents in Northwest DC. He and my father would have conversations about the possibility of my attending Duke Ellington School of the Arts for High School. A couple years later I did just that. When I entered Ellington, I was on a low level in comparison to the other bassist. Once again I had to remind myself this was my journey. When I was 14, my father and uncle took me to hear Yarborough play with master bassist Reggie Workman at the Lincoln Theatre. Workman took an improvised solo that changed my life and my perception on what could be done on the bass. I felt the connection between the bass and my percussion background. From that moment, I was motivated to find my way as a bassist. I learned from my peers, my teachers and my elders. I gained so much inspiration and motivation, and with Yarborough’s guidance I became a professional at a young age.
After high school I wanted to go directly to New York City to study. Instead, my father decided I should go to Shenandoah University in Virginia. It turned out to be good for me, though at first it felt like a mistake. Many of my friends went to schools in New York, Hartford, Philadelphia and Boston. I felt somewhat uneasy that I was missing out on the possibility of becoming the musician I wanted to be. Little did I know, this was all God’s plan. During my junior year, Michael Bowie subbed me to a gig with the Curtis Fuller Sextet. This jumpstarted my career. It’s possible I would have been fine had I gone to New York right away, but who knows?
During summer breaks, my friends and I would sit on my porch and share our dreams and aspirations. I always said that after school I wanted to go New York City, learn all I could, hopefully make a name for myself, and gain respect from my peers, and, most importantly, from the masters of the music. I hoped to have opportunities to see the world through a career in music. I hoped to one day get married, have a family, continue my career as a performer, and possibly become an educator. I was 17 when I spoke those words. Now at age 41, many of those goals and dreams have come true and, thankfully, continue to be realized.
Today, I am a father of two, have performed on every continent except Australia, enjoy my role as Assistant Professor of Jazz Bass at Arizona State University, and serve as DC Jazz Festival Artist-in-Residence. I know my journey is unique and that things have happened the way they were supposed to. I am thankful for my journey so far. I am thankful for my parents, my mentors and my ancestors who have paved the way.
So far, honoring those who have paved the way is a main focus of my residency. On April 28th we honored Davey Yarborough at Arena Stage. I felt the need to show my appreciation to him for all he has done for generations of young musicians coming out of Washington DC, and for his continued support. Next, I will honor master drummer Billy Hart, who is originally from Washington, DC, for inspiring generations of musicians across the globe.
Having the opportunity to serve as Artist-in-Residence for the DC Jazz Festival is a dream come true and was spoken into existence. I am thankful to have the opportunity to bring my innermost thoughts, dreams and creativity to DC Jazz Festival stages across my hometown. This is going to be beautiful! I give thanks!
DC Jazz Festival’s Artist-In-Residence program, which aims to foster deeper connections between artists and our jazz community, is made possible by the support of our generous donors. Join us in uplifting artists through our DC Jazz Festival Education Programs by contributing today! Contact Kelly Silver for more at kelly@dcjazzfest.org.
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