The Group
Steve is no stranger to the Jazz world. “Paco” is a seasoned professional percussionist and has performed with Jazz legends such as: John Faddis, Grover Washington, Eddie Daniels, Arturo Sandoval and Tito Puente, just to name a few.
In 1981, “Paco” was voted the Most Outstanding Rhythm Section Player of The Akron University Jazz Festival.
This phenomenal percussionist was a Stalwart performer with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra for ten years.
During his musical tenure, he gained open acceptance in the Jazz world touring throughout Europe and the United States with International Jamaican Jazz pianist, Monty Alexander.
“Paco” is a native of Columbus, Ohio with over 30 years of experience as a professional Musician. He continues
to unselfishly share his love for music with others.
Acoustic & Electric Bassist/Bandleader/Educator/Arranger/Composer
I was born in Carthage, Mississippi, and later moved to Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 10. My father was a Delta Blues Guitar player and my mother sang in the church choir and played Bongo Drums.
I took piano lessons from ages 7-10 then switched to Clarinet through high school. I was selected to play in the All City Band and Orchestra. Then I later moved to Los Angeles in 1961 and taught myself how to play electric bass. I was drafted into the US Army in 1963. After receiving honorable discharged in 1965, I toured and recorded with Piney Brown’s Blues Band. I returned to Los Angeles and toured with the Coasters, sometimes backing the Drifters.
I returned to Dayton again and formed the fusion band (The Casual Society), which also featured Kahlid Moss (Betty Carter). The band soon joined Rusty Bryant and recorded ‘Friday Night Funk’ with him in 1970. I then went back to Los Angeles in 1973 and began Acoustic Bass studies with Larry Gales (T. Monk).
I’m currently teaching at Sinclair Community College, (Bass, Improv, and Jazz Combo) and the University of Dayton, (Bass, Jazz Combos). I am a member of A.F.M. Union 101-473 Executive Board, and along with the Quintet I also lead “The Eddie Brookshire Big Band.”
Kahlid Moss is indeed unique. Born in Chicago and nurtured in Dayton, he left Ohio in 1976 with one idea in his mind: to prove to himself that he could hold his own with the giants of the creative music world.
Over the next decade Khalid worked with artists such as Pharoah Sanders, Yusef Lateef, Betty Carter George Benson, Leon Thomas, Milt Jackson and even Willie Nelson. He also played at Carnegie Hall and for President Regan during the White House “Tribute to Lionel Hampton”. During his seventeen years in New York, Moss appeared on Many TV and radio programs.
These included: “The History of Jazz Piano, featuring Khalid Moss”, a collaboration with producer/director Edwin Clay; “The Trio” which included famous bassist, Marcus McClauren; “Over Easy” with Betty Carter and Mary Martin; BET’s broadcast of the Montreal Jazzfest with Betty Carter; and “Good Morning America”.
Edwin “Eddie” Bayard is a very gifted and exciting reedman. With over ten years experience, he has become one of the most talented young lions in the nation. He has toured Europe with various jazz groups, and has recently shared the stage with the likes of Marlon Jordan and Gary Bartz.
Edwin has played with alto saxophonist Wes Anderson (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra) , the late great vocalist Better Carter, and Jazz Heritage Orchestra trumpeter Pharez Whitted among others.
Eddie is currently gearing up for his first recording as a leader as well as playing with various groups around the country.