SLAM
(drums, bass, and percussion) is a locally-popular
drummer and music educator since 1991, having
traveled across the US and internationally in
the 90’s, performing with renowned artists
such as American Blues Guitarist/singer/songwriter
Deborah Coleman, Skeeter Brandon & Highway
61 (R&B groove), the Clay Motley Band, a
nationwide group that begun locally, Caroline
Hope & Taz (top 40 club band), and Jah Rasta
(mainstream Reggae). As an advocate of “rhythm
with musicality”. Slam is instrumental
in developing “World Beat Rhythm”
programs, that are designed to engage young
people in interactive music/social activities
to build cognitive skills and self-confidence.
Since
2004, Slam and his musician wife, Becky (piano/flute/singer-songwriter)
perform as a Latin/Jazz duo and together they
manage the day-to-day operations of their music
business, SlamOne LLC in which they perform,
record, teach, and help others to create and
write music. SlamOne LLC has helped build and
popularize many locally-known Fredericksburg,
VA bands to include: Luminosity Funk Band, Merenje
Marimba (Youth Marimba Band), SaborAfrocubano
(World Beat), Sunset
Syndicate (Pop/Funk), Sons of Solomon (Reggae),
and Spanglish Latin American Band (Salsa/Latin).
In
2024, Becky and Slam's current band project
is their B.S.T. Band that presents special programs
on Afrocuban and World Music throughout the
year!
For
the 2023/2024 school year, SlamOne LLC was contracted
by Stratford Hall, a National Historic Landmark
in Montross, VA (the Lee family home), to teach
the history of African music and drumming music
to community and school groups who tour Stratford
Hall. SlamOne LLC (Becky and Slam) is a corporate
member and actively supports the local 501(C)(3)
organization, Fredericksburg
Jazz Collective, to advance live jazz music
and to educate youth in jazz.
Slam
is expert in a wide range of standard and Latin
rhythms and is available to teach percussion,
rudimental drumming, congas, bongos, and drum
set lessons in Fredericksburg area private homes,
at Picker’s
Supply, or in his studio, Cut-Time Studio,
located just east of Fredericksburg.