Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. In the past few months I have played solo at weddings both Jewish and Christian.
I play with 3 bands on a consistent basis. One is Lady J. Huston & The Fireballs (voted best blues band in Las Vegas), NRQ New Rhythm Quartet (an amazing collection of musicians that play smooth jazz, jazz, blues and R&B all over the valley as well as with Rheda K's Jazz Krew, a trio with an amazing vocalist, Rheda that performs jazz standards, blues and R&B Classics.
I have played with major artists from the strip to several all over the country. I also have a Protools recording studio so I can create tracks for your projects or come to your studio as well.
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. Find a musician that does not have an attitude but will work with you and give you what you want. Find one that is not only positive but has the talent to play and improvise no matter what type of songs you want them to play. If you have an event, like a wedding, make sure they will learn your special songs. As a producer you want to find one that understands what you want and can help you make your dream a reality. As a teacher you want one that will understand the direction you are headed and help you become the keyboardist you want to become. As a studio musician you want them to be able read well and be able to add that one special thing that makes a difference in your songs.
Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?
A. There are many people that just play music, but they don't understand how to make a song special. Many can be show-offs. If you are planning your wedding, you want a musician that will learn your special songs and understand how to play just at the right time and when to be quiet. As a band leader you want someone that knows how to play with musicians (by ear and reading music) while complimenting what is happening but at the same time when you need a rockin' solo can make the band even more excited and create and energy onstage that drives the event to a whole new level. They inspire greatness in other musicians around them. As a teacher you want someone that can pull out of you what no one else could and finds that greatness you always had as a musician, composer or arranger. As a producer you want someone that can see the vision for what your song(s) can become and knows how to get it there through great arrangements and motivation of the musicians.
Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?
A. Who have you played with? Who have you produced for? What venues have you played? How many times have you been in a recording studio? Do you have several examples of your work that would cover the type genre you are looking for? Do you have any references that relate to the type of project you are hiring them for? Do you have any references as to the type of person you are or leader you are? What are your charges? Are they hourly? Per project? How do you expect to get paid and when? Do you need a deposit?
