Over the years, the metro Washington, DC area has become a breeding ground for some of the best musicians in all genres, but especially jazz.  We are blessed here that DC is always a stop on the tours of national artists.  And while many of those artists bring their touring bands with them, many more are easing the economic crunch by using east coast/west coast musicians, and have found an abundance of talent here in the DC area.  I was thrilled to witness one of those musicians, drummer Carl Anderson, backing up Nick Colionne at The Hamilton in downtown DC in mid-August.

Carl Anderson is from Annapolis, Maryland and began playing drums at age five.  Coming from a very musical family, with a lot of singers and musicians on both sides, his father was his first music teacher.  “My father taught me earlier in my life. Then I had some formal training in elementary, middle, and high school.”  In addition to being influenced by the family around him, Carl found inspiration in listening to some of the top bands of the day, such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, and The Temptations.

What surprised me so about Carl is that I had not seen him before.  Suprising because of the impressive list of artists he has played with including  Art Sherrod, the Drifters, Matt Marshak, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Nick Colionne, Jeff Kashiwa, Jackiem Joyner,  Jessy J,  Will Donato, Kenny Latimore, Gail Johnson, Althea Renee, Karen Briggs, Oli Silk, Joey Sommerville, Brian Simpson, and  480 East.  How could I have missed him?  Still, with all of these artists on his resume, Carl still has more he would like to play alongside.  “I would someday like to play with New Edition, Brian McKnight, Mary J Blige, John P. Kee, and Fred Hammond.  There are so many others just can’t name them all, and it does not have to be limited to smooth/contemporary jazz.”

In addition to playing the drums, Carl is also pretty proficient on the keyboards, sings, and is involved in producing and songwriting and attributes his success and in-demand status to a few simple things.  “I make sure I keep God first, stay humble, and let’s not forget a lot of hard work. Having a great attitude and like working with others is also important.”

Carl is so proud of his achievements and where his career is headed.  “To date I recorded over 20 CDs with a number of artists locally and abroad. I currently have my own Gospel Soul CDd out called “Starting Out. You can find out more information about this by going to my website, www.c-manproductions.com”

When not working on music or touring with the numerous artists he has come to support, Carl kicks back and does what most of us do.  “Well, when I do have the time, I like to go bowling, to the movies, watching WWE, CNN, Investigation Discovery, reading the Bible, and checking in on Facebook.”

So, be sure to check out the guy behind the drum kit at any of the concert you are attending, especially in the DC area.  You may be surprised like I was that you hadn’t seen him before, but you definitely won’t forget him.