Playing Live
I've had the opportunity to play many, many live shows over the last 10-15 years in various
places with various people, for various reasons. I love the creativity of studio work, but
there are certain things about playing live that cannot be found within the confines of studio
walls.
When you connect with your audience and feel all the energy (and then some) that you're
exerting coming back at you from those watching, there is a feeling that cannot be expressed
in words. When you play a song that you've taken part in writing, and hear people familiar
with it from radio singing along loud enough to hear from the stage, you feel something
indescribable. And in the worship setting, when you see people encountering God through
something you're being allowed to do, it's incredibly humbling.
A lot of my playing over the last 8 or so years has been with the following:
Forty Day Fast (1997-2002)
Forty Day Fast (FDF) was a band I was in for about 6 years and
which received the majority of my time and musical effort during that time. We released 2
full length CD's and a 3 song single, and played extensively throughout the southeast U.S.
We reached moderate success with a strong grass roots fan base, received radio airplay in
several markets around the U.S., and received press in national Christian music
publications.
In addition we were shown interest by multiple Christian labels, and were even offered a
recording contract, but as we were having success independently, we passed on the offer.
During the writing sessions for the second CD, This is Only Temporary, all of the members,
myself included, took an active role. By the end of FDF, we had established not only close
friendships, but musical chemistry that was beyond what many bands ever experience. This band
was the source of what are still some of my fondest music related memories and experiences.
Ridgely (1997-1999)
Ridgely was an acoustic duo that included my brother Kevin and a guy by
the name of Eric Peters. Together they made some incredible music because their voices and
their writing styles/skills complimented one another as well as any two people I've ever seen.
Early on it was just two guys with acoustic guitars, but for the last couple of years of their
existence they allowed me the honor of being their normal road drummer, and those gigs also
hold some of my dearest memories. 
When they stopped performing as Ridgely, Kevin joined up
with Forty Day Fast, and was instrumental in the development of the sound of the second FDF
record. Kev is now in the process of recording his first solo record; something he should've
done a long time ago. Eric went on to have much success as an independent solo artist. He has
released multiple solo records, is in fact recording another currently, and has actively toured
in support of his music. If he plays anywhere near you, check him out. I may even be sitting in
with him, as I do that sometimes.
For info on Eric, check out www.ericpeters.net
Other extended commitments:
Phat Hat (60's-80's Funk/Soul cover band)
A few years ago Rick Naqvi threw together Phat Hat to play some music for a private party for a coworker of his. He decided to go with a funk & soul cover band, complete with a horn section. The original lineup included Rick on guitar, his brother Asghar on drums, Brian Edwards (original bass player of FDF) on bass, and yours truly on percussion. It wasn't intended to be a long term, serious deal, but after the original gig was over, other requests followed, so Phat Hat became a legit band. As the gigs picked up I decided to step down as a permanent fixture because of my other musical commitments and interests, but I still cover percussion or kit sometimes if I'm needed and available (Asghar is a doctor and therefore has to miss gigs every once in a while). Everyone in the band is very talented, and playing funky music with a bunch of talented musicians is a very fun thing for a drummer to do. Below are a few clips of a recent gig with me sitting in on drums. Check them out at www.phathatband.com
Allison Collins (2002-2003)
Lane Oliver (2002)
Killer Smile (1995-1997)
Below are some of the other artists/groups who I play or have played with at some point:
Ben Pasley (100 Portraits / Enter the Worship Circle)
Lamont Hiebert (from Ten Shekel Shirt)
Eric Peters
Kevin Smith
Dude from Lafayette
Lyndsey Spurlock
Treefrog
Lulu and the Beav
Full Release
Hearts Aflame
Churches
I've played at numerous churches in the area. Most recently I've been playing fairly regularly at Healing Place Church (Baton Rouge, LA) and River Community Church (Prairieville, LA). On occasion I may be found playing at another church in the area, or playing another instrument (most likely guitar), or even leading worship.