How did jazz legend Ron Carter influence your guitar playing?
Ron Carter is my mentor, my teacher and my friend. His influence on me goes far beyond the instrument of the guitar and more so into the deepest depths of what being a maker of music is all about. I served as his grad assistant at Northern Illinois University and I tell you know teacher pushed me or challenged as hard or as often as he did. He is my family.
You were also heavily influenced by seven-string guitarist, Rick Haydon. How?
Rick Haydon taught me jazz guitar. I learned the lineage of the guitar through him as an undergraduate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is an incredible musician and to know him you would be amazed because he is an even better person. I carry his sound and his influence with me wherever I go. He is my family.
You made your acting debut on Fox’s hit television series, “Empire.” What was that experience like and can we look forward to seeing more of you?
It was an awesome experience. It was fun being on set, they have such a family atmosphere and It’s something I would love to do in the future. You may see me on a TV screen near you; I have a concept for a movie I’m going to write in the near future.
Talk a little about the musical differences between your debut album, There Can Only Be One and your sophomore follow-up?
There Can Only Be One is a more traditional jazz album. It swings hard!! This album, The Music and The Moment, has a more adult urban, contemporary jazz flare for lack of better terms. I believe The Music and The Moment is an album the can grip the ears of listeners of all ages, genre preferences, and more. If you like jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, and if you like to dance, The Music and The Moment is for you.
Have you thought about where do you see you and your musical career in five years?
I see myself continuing the do music at the highest level possible. Maybe I’ll be closer to being in my prime by then. I see myself stepping outside the box even more creatively and keep listeners expecting the unexpected every time they hear a new LBJ record.
