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Describe how you came to be a professional sax player. When and how did it all start?
2000. I branded myself as a solo artist about 12 years ago; after having a gospel jazz group called ‘Consecrated’ that didn’t work out. I then became very visible in the R&B and Jazz scene around town. As a volunteer street team aid the for the Tralf Music Hall (then operated by Bobby Militello). I had the opportunity of performing in 2000 with 3x Grammy Nominee and Pioneer of Smooth Jazz – NAJEE & performed with local (but nationally known) musicians like Rodney Appleby, Lucky Peterson, Al Ferguson, Rey Scott & others in 2002.
Where are you from originally?
Buffalo
Is your family musical?
Yes my brothers Daniel Powell (drums) and Rod Bonner (keyboards)
When and why did you start playing?
1998 – Well the answer is simple to me but complex to others… God had given me this vision in my senior year of high school. I was army bound as I was star in my JROTC program at Buffalo Traditional School (now BAVPA).
What was the first tune that you remember “really” playing well, when you knew that you would be a musician?
Well when I started performing my own music. I co-headlined a bill with “American Idol Winner” – Ruben Studdard at the Tralf Music Hall 2/16/2007 and the attendance was about 500.
The song I performed was entitled “Always” from my debut in 2008. I performed that song and announced from stage that I had 25 copies available there was literally a stampede. I knew then God was leading my career of a professional musician.
What’s your instrument of choice?
Saxophone
Are you schooled in music? From where?
The school of gospel, hard knocks & I went to Villa Maria College for a year. Jazz Performance. Even though I learned more on the streets theoretically and naturally.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Najee, Gerald Albright, Stevie Wonder, Fred Hammond, Chris Potter, James Brown, EWF, Billy Joel, Michael Brecker, Bruce Wojick, Brian McKnight, Drea d’nur and Everette Harp.
Where is your favorite place to play/sing in Buffalo?
The Tralf Music Hall
Where would you most like to play/sing in Buffalo?
Thursday at Canalside
How would you describe your music style? Influences?
A melting pot of fusion, soul, R&B, bebop and gospel. Michael Brecker, Joe, Stevie Wonder, EWF.
How often and for how long do you practice?
Dally at least a few hours.
Where do you practice?
My studio
Do you play/sing covers?
Yes.
Do you play/sing original music? If so, who writes the music and the lyrics?
Yes I do. I am an original artist mainly.
If you could play/sing for one famous person, who would that be?
Stevie Wonder
What are your strengths?
Music Business. Innovator, multi-talented. Web designer, videographer/ photographer & editor.
What are your weaknesses?
Self patience. Not enough time to tackle all what I want to tackle.
Do you have a label? A recording studio? Have you recorded a CD?
I have a label SSP and I am a BMI Music Publisher. I have 2 CDs to my name working on my 3rd.
Where and when is your next gig?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 @ The Pan American Grill and Brewery (inside The Hotel @ The Lafayette) – 6:30pm-9:30pm
then…
Headlining Juneteenth festival Sunday- June 16th at 6:30pm
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If you play in a group/band (or solo) here in Buffalo, and have an upcoming gig at a venue(s) in the city, consider sending Buffalo Rising an email requesting to be emailed a Q&A interview that we can then post, along with concert dates. It’s a fun and easy way to get your name in front of another audience that is interested in learning about the local music scene.
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-You must have a public show coming up in the city of Buffalo, as our focus is the urban landscape
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-Solo acts are also welcome
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-CD/Album/poster art is welcome
-Links to Social Media sites are a bonus
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