For me, playing bass is about connection. It is the art of linking rhythm to melody and creating a groove that moves an audience.

Growing up in Nashville, I listened to a lot of country music, but my early ears were tuned to classical, prog rock, my sisters' 1970s 8-tracks, and Soul Train (it came on TV before Saturday morning cartoons). I was a trumpet player in middle and high school, and in college switched to concert choir and started learning double bass and played in orchestra while learning electric bass on the side. I went all-in on electric bass after graduation in 1992.

Since then, I have spent years chasing the perfect groove across the Midwest. After cutting my teeth in the Indianapolis music scene in the mid-2000's with the bands Once A Child and Drinkdeep, I moved to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area in 2011 where I've immersed myself in the rich music landscape of western Michigan. 

Formerly with the bands Root45 and E11EVEN, I now play with the rock/funk/hiphop band Better Desire and the acoustic trio Taproom Fix. I'm also active in the local blues community, jamming alongside the area's best blues musicians and sitting in with the likes of the Left Handed Rollers and Jimmie Stagger.

I approach every gig with a professional mindset, prioritizing preparation and the cohesive sound of the band over showing off. I am organized, reliable, and carry pro-quality gear (see below). I have a Ph.D. in Mathematics and teach college math and computer science in my day job – that background has taught me how to learn difficult material very fast, do hard things on a tight time frame, and work well with all kinds of people and situations. I am not intimidated by any size or type of job. 

I am always looking to connect with new musicians and explore musical projects. If you need a solid foundation for your next session, gig, tour, or fill-in date, let's talk.

 

My gear 

Basses: 

  • Fender Tony Franklin signature Precision fretless 
  • Lakland Skyline 44-64 (Red: strung with roundwounds; Honeyburst: Strung with flatwounds) 
  • Lakland Skyline 55-02
  • Lakland Skyline 55-60 
  • MusicMan Stingray Special 4HH
  • Sadowsky MetroExpress Modern 5-string
  • Sadowsky MetroExpress Vintage JJ 5-string fretless
  • Sterling Ray34 H

Amplification: 

  • Fender Rumble 40 (for small spaces) 
  • Ampeg RB112 (for medium-sized spaces)
  • Darkglass AlphaOmega 500W + 4x10 cabinet (for large spaces) 

Pedals: 

  • Petersen Strobo Mini tuner
  • MXR Bass Compressor
  • Boss OC-2 octave pedal
  • MXR Bass Overdrive 
  • MXR Bass Synth (coming January 2026) 
  • Tech21 SansAmp Bass Driver