IAM - IKAN. This is a personal motto that not only do I strive to live by each of every day, but also share with the students I teach.  To instill in them the power of believing in ourselves, and that the very essence of the fact that we are here, we are strong and if commit our hearts and minds to our goals, we can accomplish anything; as a people, as a community and as individuals.

With that being said, I choose to pursue GREATNESS.  You see, impossible is a just a word.  It is harmless if we recognized it for what it is.  I want my journey as an artist, as a performer and as a person to be an example for everyone who dreams and is willing to pay the price and receive the benefits of hard work and single-minded commitment.  

When I was only ten years old, I remember being drawn to the music that surrounded my home and filled our neighborhood.  There were musicians getting together across the street at different houses to jam and my friends and I would go a sit in the windows for hours to listen and marvel at their talents.  One talented bass player would just rock the house and then was kind enough to spend time with us, teach us the bass guitar and talk about music.  He was Dewayne Williams, and isn't it amazing that some 30 years later, he is lending his talents for the Song Book Soul CD.  Our Milwaukee music community may be small, but We Are One and always supporting one another's creative projects and ambitions.

I have been blessed and am so grateful for the many musicians that I have had the honor and privilege to play with over the past twenty years. There are too many to name, but they know who they are and how much I appreciate their friendship and support. I have learned so much from each of them and I hope I have returned the favor... Read More