By the age of 12, piano lessons were long history and drums became an almost 24 hour compulsion. It was at this time that Alex was allowed to join the school band, which he participated in all through middle and high school. Hard work and enthusiasm in band and percussion earned him such awards as the Instrumentalist Magazine musicianship award and the Semper Fidelis Award for musical excellence given to him by the U.S. Marines Youth Foundation.
Even though it was the 80's, Alex was influenced by only two drummers of the era, Motley Crue's Tommy Lee and Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrian. Both chosen for their style and charisma...Hell they were both fun to watch and listen to.
Alex's three main influences are John Bonham of Zeppelin, Neil Peart of Rush and Jazz Drummer Buddy Rich. Bonham for his power, style, intonation and sound. Peart for his complex and fluid drum parts with even and odd time signatures...oh yeah that's every Rush tune isn't it. And Rich for his ability to make you say "how the hell does he do that".
It was these three Drummers that made Alex really develop his skills. Disciplining himself by finding out and learning how it's done, why its done, and if it is too difficult to do, learn it anyway. even if you will never use it. As the years have gone by and music styles changed so have his influences to the point of being to numerous to mention. To quote Alex "I believe in listening to all styles of music, from Big Band Jazz to Hardcore Metal, all those drummers out there have something to offer if you open up your ears."
ALEX'S GEAR..DDRUM, PEARL PEDALS
PAISTE CYMBALS,VIC FIRTH,SHURE MICS
In summary:
Played Piano, 4 years
Played Drums, 32 years
Played in Bands, 20years
Bands played in, 10
Having the opportunity to help co-pilot the Musical Juggernaut Mothership called SLAB...Priceless
" PEARL,DEMON DRIVE" DOUBLE PEDALS...CHECK EM OUT!!!.............................................
