Q: When did it start for you, the decision to become a vocalist?
A: I decided to pursue singing seriously back in 2006 while I was on tour with the Glenn Miller. Up to that point I was primarily a sideman performing on electric bass and upright bass with many different groups.
Q: Was jazz always your primary music of choice?
A: Growing up as a child, jazz wasn't always my music of choice even though it was in my blood. My grandfather Emilio Caceres was a jazz and swing violinist who toured with his own group and was featured on Benny Goodman's “Camel Caravan" radio show. My dad introduced me to the sounds of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman along with Blood, Sweat, Drum + Bass, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Earth, Wind & Fire really stood out to me. I always dreamed that I wanted to play in a band like Earth, Wind & Fire and sing like Philip Bailey. I use to have my African-American friends from the neighborhood come over, and we would pretend that we were performing just like them to my dads reel-to-reel Earth, Wind & Fire recordings. I always refer to their 1980 Concert on HBO that changed my life. When I saw that I always knew that music was something I wanted to do.
Q: Where were you born, and where did you grow up? Were your parents supportive of your musical career?
A: I was born and grew up in San Antonio, Texas. While I got involved in music my parent's weren't too supportive of my music. They really had no idea that I could sing or that I was very serious about it.
Q: What is the jazz scene in Texas like?
A: The jazz scene in Houston is a close-knit community; just like any other scene there are some great players. Houston is also home to Cézannes Jazz Club which features local and national talent.
Q: What was it like touring with the musical Miss Saigon? What was your role in the play? And how did you get involved with it?
A: I was recommended by a friend of mine to join the Miss Saigon musical. I wasn't involved in a role or singing. I was part of the orchestra pit doubling on electric bass and upright bass. It was a great tour across the U.S. I gained a lot of mental experience as a sideman from this tour.
A: I decided to pursue singing seriously back in 2006 while I was on tour with the Glenn Miller. Up to that point I was primarily a sideman performing on electric bass and upright bass with many different groups.
Q: Was jazz always your primary music of choice?
A: Growing up as a child, jazz wasn't always my music of choice even though it was in my blood. My grandfather Emilio Caceres was a jazz and swing violinist who toured with his own group and was featured on Benny Goodman's “Camel Caravan" radio show. My dad introduced me to the sounds of Stan Kenton and Woody Herman along with Blood, Sweat, Drum + Bass, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Earth, Wind & Fire really stood out to me. I always dreamed that I wanted to play in a band like Earth, Wind & Fire and sing like Philip Bailey. I use to have my African-American friends from the neighborhood come over, and we would pretend that we were performing just like them to my dads reel-to-reel Earth, Wind & Fire recordings. I always refer to their 1980 Concert on HBO that changed my life. When I saw that I always knew that music was something I wanted to do.
Q: Where were you born, and where did you grow up? Were your parents supportive of your musical career?
A: I was born and grew up in San Antonio, Texas. While I got involved in music my parent's weren't too supportive of my music. They really had no idea that I could sing or that I was very serious about it.
Q: What is the jazz scene in Texas like?
A: The jazz scene in Houston is a close-knit community; just like any other scene there are some great players. Houston is also home to Cézannes Jazz Club which features local and national talent.
Q: What was it like touring with the musical Miss Saigon? What was your role in the play? And how did you get involved with it?
A: I was recommended by a friend of mine to join the Miss Saigon musical. I wasn't involved in a role or singing. I was part of the orchestra pit doubling on electric bass and upright bass. It was a great tour across the U.S. I gained a lot of mental experience as a sideman from this tour.
