Randy
Randy was raised in Port Orchard, Washington where at an early age he began playing the piano at Sinclair Missionary Baptist Church. In his teens, he began working with the various choirs within the church, and was fortunate to sing and play at gospel music workshops featuring Richard Smallwood and Stan Lee. Randy also developed an interest in jazz as a member of his high school jazz choir.
Randy attended Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington. As a singer and drummer in the group Jazzline he had the opportunity to perform throughout the United States and Canada. Randy then moved to Tacoma to attend Pierce College and serve as the drummer for the group Farwest Jazz where he was introduced to James Niles and Kelly Kunz. The three began multitrack recording some of Kelly's arrangements. Eventually, three other singers were added and the group Groove For Thought was born.
Throughout his musical journey, Randy has worked both as a studio musician and a live performer playing such festivals as the Monterey Jazz Festival at Sea, the Gene Harris Jazz Festival, and the International Association of Jazz Educators Conference. He has also been fortunate to meet some of his jazz heroes including Mel Torme, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Diana Krall, and Kurt Elling. Randy currently lives in Steilacoom, Washington.
Contact Randy: Randy@grooveforthought.com
