I was born in Chicago and raised musically in New York City. Over a 30 year career, I have supported and elevated the performances of:
Al Foster, Eddie Henderson, George Coleman, Lee Konitz, Clifford Jordan, Harold Mabern, Eric Alexander, The Birdland Big Band, David DeJesus, Chris Potter, Eli Degibri, Adam Birnbaum, Peter Bernstein, Brian Blade, Jorge Rossy, Kevin Hays, Mike Moreno, Timothy Hill, Fleurine, Paula West, Jeff Williams, Bill Stewart, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Lew Tabakin, Walt Weiskopf, Lizz Wright, Joe Williams, and Pete Seeger.
I became an active educator and advocate before it was fashionable, teaching workshops around the world. I am currently a Professor at SUNY Purchase College, and The New School University, and ZOOM.
I was guest Professor of Kontrabaß and Ensemble at the Jazz Institut Berlin for the Summer 2019 Semester.