-------------------------------------- IMPORTANT NOTICE-------------------------------------
To all of you who have written messages or comments: I have found it increasingly hard to keep up with, and respond to the numerous comments and messages I receive here. Please under no circumstances should you assume that since I have not responded to your message or comment that I value it less than any other. I do absolutely appreciate all of you taking the time to express yourselves here, and will try to respond to as many as I can. If you do not get an answer within an acceptable period of time please write again. I promise I will get back to you eventually. Some comments or messages that do not neccessarily require a response please accept my heartfelt thanks for your comments pertaining to me and my music.
God Bless
Everette
I've had a rather charmed and blessed life....to an extent. God has blessed me with a talent that has opened many doors, but as most of you know, it is not how many doors you have opened before you that matter, but which ones you choose to go through.
Originally from Houston, Tx. , and having had my higher education at University of North Texas (formerly North Texas State), I moved backed to Houston where I played in clubs at night, and recording studios by day. Played in a band that played Pop, R&B, and Jazz. Songs from artist like George Benson, Kenny Loggins, Jefferey Osborne, Luther Vandross, Billy Joel, David Sanborn, George Howard, Grover Washington, and Al Jarreau. After spending six years in 2 bands, and reaching big fish in small pond status, it was time for a change.
The move to L.A. was made in 1988 where I was fortunate enough to get my first touring job with Teena Marie. After a very short stint with Teena Marie I received a phone call from my soon to be mentor, the great producer, keyboardist, songwriter George Duke, asking if I would be interested in touring with Anita Baker. Of course I said yes!!! It was a great tour with Anita, and Luther Vandross. I was given a feature during this tour where I was able to step out for an extended solo each show. This feature began to draw attention my way. In many write ups on the show this feature, and the vocal/sax tete-a-tete between Anita Baker and myself was considered the highlight of the show. It was a wonderful experience being on stage with the phenominal Mrs Baker.
The following year I toured with Sheena Easton, and also was hired to be Kenny Loggins sax / keyboards / background vocalist. The relationship with Loggins would last some 13 yrs.
I toured with Sheena and Kenny Loggins until I returned to tour with Anita Baker in 1991. It was during this time that George Duke asked me if I would be interested in doing a record with a group he put together called 101 North for Capitol Records. After this record Bruce Lundvall, head of the Capitol Records subsidiary Bluenote Records, decided to sign me as a solo artist. This started my solo career. My first solo record, self-titled, came out in 1992. I also spent that year as the house saxophonist for the popular Arsenio Hall show during it's last season and a half. George Duke was responsible for opening a lot of doors for me, as well as having me record for many other artist including Chante' Moore, Rachelle Farrell, Jefferey Osborne, Anita Baker, Regina Belle, Howard Hewitt, Phil Perry, and Al Jarreau. It was also during this time that I was fortunate to form friendships and working relationships with famed bassist/ songwriter/ producer Marcus Miller, and first family of jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis. During the summer of 1991 I toured with Marcus Miller, Joe Sample, and Lalah Hatthaway in Japan on his "Live Under The Sky" Tour. The opener for most of these dates was Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Tony Williams, and Wayne Shorter, all of which I eventually either played with, or recorded with in the future.
After this tour I stayed in Japan to perform for the first "Playboy Jazz Festival" in Tokyo with George Duke.
In 1993 I was asked to perform with an All-Star band for President Bill Clinton at his first Inaugural Ball (The Arkansas Ball). It turned out to be a wonderful photo-op for me when Bill Clinton got on stage with us and performed with us using my other saxophone. We performed side by side, and this moment was shown live on TV stations around the world, as well as seen in the tons of magazines and newspapers.
I've been fortunate to record, perform with, or back-up artist/ producers such as Dionne Warrick, Neil Diamond, Babyface, Quincy Jones, Michael McDonald, Stevie Wonder, Philip Bailey,Vanessa Williams, Usher, Larry Carlton, Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen, Bobby Lyle, Michael Bolton, Glady's Knight, Patti Labelle, The Pointer Sisters, The Backstreet Boys, Fantasia, Peabo Bryson, Brenda Russell, Norman Brown, Howard Hewitt, Denise Williams, Branford Marsalis, Earl Klugh, Jonathan Butler, Kenny Loggins, Yolanda Adams, Brian McKnight, Jessica Simpson, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Lorber, Marcus Miller, Joe Sample, The Jazz Crusaders, Toni Braxton, Prince, Lalah Hatthaway, Billy Joel, George Benson, James Ingrahm, Natalie Cole, After 7, Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan, and Alicia Keys amongst others.
In 1997 I did a remake of the classic Marvin Gaye record "What's Going On". The entire record from the beginning to end. This is probably considered my best non-original cd to date. It was an incredible opportunity, and a wonderful process. I have recorded seven solo jazz cds. Performed as the saxophonist on the themes for "Entertainment Tonight", "Soul Train", and "At The Movies with Roger Ebert". I have been in backing bands or performed solo for "The Grammys", "Lou Rawls Parade of Stars", "The TV Land Awards", "SoulTrain Christmas Specials", "Kenny Loggins Live by Request", "American Idol", "Celebrity Duets", "The SoulTrain Awards", "Nick and Jessica Christmas Special", "Nick and Jessica USO Show in Germany", and "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, as well as Jay Leno"
I guess the funny thing about my career at this point is that all of the people whose music I performed while in the club bands in Houston, I have eventually recorded or performed with. Talk about a dream come true!
Hello there! Hope all is wonderful in your corner of the world! Wishing you a tranquility of spirit and a beautiful week ahead... Have you still seen my tattoo? It looks sooo great!! Much love and take care, Karin
