Ok, here we go...I was born and raised in the rural oilfields of West Texas which has defined who am I and what I believe.  Hard work, determination and accepting nothing but the best has been my motto since early childhood.  I've used this train of thought with everything in my life...family, sports, powerlifiting and...music!  Like most musicians, I was bitten my the "music bug" early in life...at a KISS concert to be exact.  Unlike most musicians, I am the "lone" musician in my family.  No formal training, no schooling...just roughing it out in the trenches year after year...

Although I began playing professionally at the age of 13, I consider the start of my career to be in the Fall of 1991...the formation of Seventh Rize.  I co-founded Seventh Rize with Darin Andersen.  We initially started out as a cover band and ended up dominating the regional scene with a full time schedule, sponsorships, etc.  After a few years, we grew tired of the grind and decided to jump into original music.  We poured our hearts and souls into this new era of the band and spent alot of time working our craft.  The end result was landing in Los Angeles CA to record our debut album, "Visceral Rock", with my longtime friend and fellow drummer, Bobby Rock, producing.  "Visceral Rock" includes amazing perfomances from some really good friends...including all vocals done by Henry Font of "Pist.On", bass tracks by Gary "Gor" Pinkstaff, and guest solo's by Neil Zaza and Bret Garsed.  The album finally hit the streets in August 2001 at which time we were offered our first record deal.  Unfortunately, this offer ended up being the famous "indie deal gone bad" and it ultimately tied the album (and band) down for several years.  It was at that time I made the decision to go out and play with other people.  Ultimately, Seventh Rize came back to life in 2007 with myself and longtime frontman Stacy "Big Daddy" Humphries and we have enjoyed a second album, "Full Moon", alumni including Neil Zaza and Jeff LaBar (Cinderella), new label, Vh1 licensed theme song, new dates (club and arena shows with Slaughter, Warrant, White Lion, Firehouse, Jackyl and the mighty Lou Gramm of Foreigner) and Seventh Rize gearing up for album #3 with Bruce Turgon of Foreigner producing!!  Life is Grand!! 

During the Seventh Rize hiatus, I had the extreme pleasure of performing with some amazing groups...I cannot possibly recap all my experiences here...but here's some of the ones that really stick out in my mind... 

First on the list is "Texas the Band".  This band had been THE top draw at state fairs throughout the country for the past 13 years.  The group was planning one last tour in 2001 and I was asked to join and provide the foundation.  We toured all over North America and enjoyed capacity shows from one coast to the other.  The ride stopped in December of 2001 and each of the founding members went their own way.  The lead singer went on to become "famous"...so to speak.  His name is Terry Fator and he became the Season 1 winner on "America's Got Talent"...and ended up signing a multi-million dollar deal in Las Vegas.  Very happy for Terry...he's a true talent!!

Next up is "VooDoo PoeT".  At the time I joined VP, these guys had worked hard to be the dominate force on the Texas club circuit.  Cody and the guys are pro's and were at the top of their game.  I enjoyed the challenge of joining such a tight nit group with a VERY loyal fan base and ultimately...winning them over!!  The demands of this gig were sometimes outrageous...but that is what made VP so special.  I learned alot from these guys and cherish my time in the band.  Along with the good, comes the bad...VP crashed hard at the height of its popularity as a direct casualty of drugs and booze.  This experience is the very reason why I have spent my entire life away from drugs and alcohol...it will tear anything apart!

Soon after the VP experience, I was offered an unusual gig...a 3 week run of dates with The Kennel Boys in the Bermuda Islands.  The Kennel Boys were a mainstay act in Bermuda and had a long, rich history of superb musicianship, shows, tunes...the whole enchilada!  I accepted the offer and flew to the islands.  Like the VP experience, no rehearsals...just hit the stage running!  I was nervous at first...but I have to admit...it was a BLAST!!  Capacity shows with a variety of nationalities present nightly.  We tried to make it happen again on several occasions after my return to Texas, but my schedule only became busier!!!...

Enter...Texas Country star...Aaron Watson.  This particular gig has been by far the most unusual one.  I received a call from Aaron out of the blue one day...asking about my availability and desire to jump into the Texas Country realm.  For those that don't know, the Texas Country movement is powerful and at that time (2003), it really was becoming a dominant force.  Acts like Pat Green, Cooder Graw, Kevin Fowler and Cory Morrow were tearing up the country radio waves.  Aaron was a "new" artist at the time and celebrating his second release..."Shut Up And Dance".  Radio caught onto one of his singles, "Off The Record", and a lot of light was shining on this amazing talent.  My background had been loud rock-n-roll up to that point and within a few days, I was in the middle of a Texas Country/Western Swing kind of vibe.  Aaron really liked the idea of having a rock drummer onboard, so we hit the road...and hit it hard.  We did over 200 shows in 10 months!  We went from traveling in an Excursion...then to a van...then finally a tour bus.  We went from 100 in the crowd to sold out shows...all within a few months...just goes to show the power of great songwriting, awesome management and radio support!  Aaron continues to this day releasing great music and packing every place he plays.  I hold a special place in my heart for Aaron and hope to one day join him onstage again!

Shortly after the road ended with Aaron Watson, I was contacted by several amazing musicians/groups on the Texas Country circuit regarding my availability...including Jason Allen, Cooder Graw, Chris Chitsey, Bart Crow Band and Stoney LaRue.  However, many things were in motion to get back into the rock realm...including an invite to audition to Lou Gramm of Foreigner!  In addition, I accepted a position as General Manager of a new studio venture based in San Angelo, TX...called "Texas Studio C".  The studio gig was something new and I was eager to jump into it.  So, I essentially stopped all touring and dove into running the studio and doing session work for numerous artists.  It was during this time that the path was clearing for me to re-form Seventh Rize and bring it back to the masses!!

Through all the miles on the road and hours in the studios, I must say that it has been an extreme honor to play and endorse the BEST products...  I'm not the kind of guy that jumps around from one company to another.  That being said...after almost 12 years, I have officially switched from Sonor to a custom drum make (a complete description of the Sistine Chapel kit coming soon!).  I am still on the Sonor roster and fully endorse their hardware and snare drums.  When I set out to finalize endorsement deals, I chose the companies/products that I actually play and believe in!  I want to take this chance to send much love and respect to Chris at Aquarian Drumheads, Jeff at Ahead Drumsticks, Bobby and Shirlene at Sabian Cymbals and the entire AR staff at both Sonor Drums and Peavey Electronics.  These companies produce the only products that can stand up to "300lbs of "GO"!!"

Aside from all this music stuff...I must say that "the" foundation for me for the past 13 years has been my wonderful family.  My beautiful wife Sarena and our four amazing children have always supported me and shown me unconditional love...considering the stress and strain I have caused them during my travels and many, many hours away from home...they simply are amazing!  We are a very tight family and have a very clear vision of what makes us happy and where we see ourselves in the future.  I am a very Blessed man!!!

...well, until I remember to add something...that's all folks!! Thanks for reading!!