Faith Filled Family Magazine December 2016 | Page 38

for hours. And you absolutely
love playing the saxophone.
Do you believe this was God’s
“Calling” for your life? What
events lead you to developing
a relationship with God?
I grew up in a Christian home
and had grandparents that
were Christians as well. I had
very good Godly examples all
throughout my childhood and
developing a relationship with
God was very natural. I knew
when He wanted me to accept
Him as my Lord and Savior and
then later knew when He wanted
me to come forward to publically
profess my faith by being baptized. God calls us to be in relationship with Him all the time.
While I love the saxophone, I
don’t think I necessarily thought
it was a “calling” to do it. God
opened doors and gave me opportunities while I was willing to
also put in all the hard work to try
and become good at something.
I’m still working on that by the
way! Aren’t we all!
This is your 7th album; the
first was “Destinations” produced by Chris Rodrigues
and featured Jeff Lorber and
Bill Champlin. Tell us, exactly
why were you drawn to the
playing the saxophone? What
propelled you to step out to
record a jazz album? How has
your faith in God guided you
on this amazing journey?
From my earliest memories,
anytime I heard a saxophone on
a song my parents were playing in the car I would ask what
that instrument was. I believe
God made my ears to really find
the sound of the saxophone appealing and so I learned to play
it. People encouraged me along

of people around you who bring
all that they are to the table to
give color and substance to the
beginnings of this piece of art that
you have started. Our arrangements started with my best friend
and long time collaborator David
John and I tossing around ideas.
For me, it all usually starts with
either a piano, or guitar and the
You have opened for such art- sax. If we can create something
ist such as Al Green, Luciano interesting with the bare bones if
Pavorotti, Ray Charles and you will, it will be that much betthe Temptations, to name a ter as you add layers on top. I
few…That’s quite an impres- had an amazing group of musisive record. What lead up to cians to add those layers: Chris
such profound opportunities? Rodriguez was my producer,
How important is it to remain we had Michael Omartian in the
humble and grateful to God rhythm section, David Hamilton
for such grand accomplish- did all the orchestral arranging,
Andy Chrisman sang on one of
ments?
The city of Tulsa has been very the originals we wrote, and longgood to me. I don’t believe I time friend Jeff Lorber produced
would have had those gigs had two of our more smooth jazz oriI lived anywhere else. I believe ented tracks. I was blown away
to be successful at something with this group of talent who
you really have to work at it. I came alongside me to put this
have always had a very hard project together.
work ethic and that’s one key to
receiving those kinds of opportu- Falling In Love with Christnities. The other is to make sure mas is created to celebrate
you are always seeking God and the most precious time of the
asking Him to bless your efforts. season. So, this album is unThat doesn’t mean everything like your previous recordings.
always works the way you want What message do you desire
it. You have to have a submis- us to receive from this timesive spirit and allow God to know less album?
and orchestrate what’s ultimate- We live in such a hurried and
ly best for you and then walk in distracted culture. My hope and
prayer with this record is that
that path.
these songs will cut through the
Tell us about the renowned busyness of our lives and give
musicians and crew who has people moments to connect and
contributed to this wonderful cherish time with their families
heartwarming Christmas al- and with the Lord in celebration
bum? How did you all develop of the season He created.
such jazzy, soulful and exquiThis album has captured
site arrangements?
Making a record is so much fun the sound of classic holiday
because you assemble a group tones such as “O Come All Ye
the way and said that I was good
and should make a record. At
some point, I began to believe
that perhaps I had something
to offer musically. So through
prayer and stepping out in faith,
God blessed those endeavors
and has allowed me to continue
doing it ever since.