I began my musical journey by playing the trumpet in Elementary and Jr. High School. By the seventh grade I switched over to the Tuba, due to the fact that everyone else played the trumpet and there was a need for someone to play the Tuba. That is where I started and learned to love the foundation of the bass and how very important it was to music in general. I started playing the electric bass when I was 14 years old. I continued my musical journey at Suitland Sr. High School and at Prince Georges Community College. I am one of the founding fathers of the popular 80’s Go-Go band Ayre Rayde. That is where I learned the essence of funk and the importance of locking in the groove with the drummer. I am a managing partner and the bassist for Phaze II, a six piece contemporary jazz and groove band. Phaze II has been performing together in and around the Washington, DC area since 1997. Phaze II are the winners of the 2005 Capital Jazz Challenge Competition and the 2014 Washington Area Music Award (Wammie) for fan favorite. I am also the bassist at Victory Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA and St. Matthews Baptist Church in District Heights, MD. In 2008, I had the honor of playing for Pope Benedict. This mass was held at Nationals Stadium and I performed with the Archdioceses Gospel Mass Choir. I have also had the privilege of working with such artist as; Regina Belle, Kenny Lattimore, MeL'isa Morgan, El DeBarge, Miki Howard, CeCe Peniston, Frank McComb, Matthew Whitaker, Club Nouveau, Dwele', Dexter Wansel, Gerald Veasley, Pamela Williams, Tim Bowman, Althea Renee, The Intruders, The Softones, Ragan Whiteside, Sharon Rae North, Rob Maletick, Keith Killgo, NexXzit, Cindy Bradley, Special Occasions, the late Ricky "Sugarfoot" Wellman and Sam Smith along with countless other great artist. I would like to thank my loving parents Elbert & Mary Norton for all of your love and support. A very special thank you to my queen Ramona for being my number one fan! But most of all I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with the privilege and the ability to make the beautiful sound of music!
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Smooth As Silk by Phaze II
