I always had songs in my head and wanted to write, and this year the opportunity finally presented itself.” “A lot of cats think being a sideman is a horrible thing, but I feel you can’t lead unless you know how to be a true team player. “Bob and Earl are living legends who I grew up listening to, so having them welcome a no-name guy like me into their world was humbling,” Otis said. Having toured with Earl Klugh and pianist Bob James for over a decade, Otis usually plays alongside bassist Al Turner. The Detroit based drummer is renowned for his versatility, improvisation and impeccable timing, incorporatingsyncopated rhythms and funky accenting. Longtime drummer for Earl Klugh, he is one of the most established sidemen in contemporary American jazz. His music is everywhere and that has always been the goal of this serious and prolific musician! His focus has always been to create more music and improve as a guitarist, composer, producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. His commercially released projects have charted on Billboard, and the last two have been in Grammy consideration in the “Contemporary Instrumental” category. And PBS aired a special on Patrick and his music that was aired in the Midwest. “Fruitvale Station”, “War, Inc.” and TV shows such as “Speechless” “New Girl” “Girls” “Shameless” “Raising Hope” “Impulse” and more! He’s appeared nationally in scores of major jazz festivals and contemporary jazz venues. His music has appeared in feature films like But concentrating on his own music has always been the priority! A favored producer and featured artist, Yandall has produced and/or recorded for NBC, KUSI 51, Muzak, The Weather Channel and various San Diego media outlets. Joel Rosenblatt (Spyro Gyra), who played on his “From the Ashes’ CD. Working with artists like Randy Brecker, Will Lee, (Fattburger), Hollies Gentry III, Greg Vail (Kilauea), Tommy Emmanuel, Tom Braxton, and many more. Michael Verta, Michael Paulo, Scott Wilkie, Carl Evans, Jr. This would find him a trusted place performing occasionally with the likes of J. Los Angeles for Capitol Records, and San Diego. Playing in a few cover bands in the SoCal area garnered the musician some important contacts which lead to studio work in Yandall moved to San Diego in the early 1980’s. A summer music program in Boston and at Central Michigan University would help the guitarist to focus his talents on a more jazz-fusion approach. He began playing in adult clubs at the tender age of thirteen, Yandall would learn to unite the heart of jazz with the flavors of rock and R&B. During his teen years, Yandall would use the nightclubs all over Michigan as a training ground. Attending a concert of Jeff Lorber with Kenny G on sax as a young musician, was a life-changing moment and steered his vision towards instrumental music. Stevie Wonder, and Rufus, were also a definite influence. It didn’t take long for a life-long obsession to develop.Īfter his family finally settled in Michigan, Yandall fell in love with the progressive styles of Jimi Hendrix, Yes, Steely Dan, and George Benson. A three-month hospital stay and a sympathetic musician father who loved jazz would encourage Yandall to pick up a guitar book. But, it was a freak football accident when he was in 6th grade in Bay City, Michigan, that would lead Yandall to focus on the guitar. Playing the trumpet in the 4th grade provided the youngster an easy escape from the loneliness of a nomadic life. In a world that was constantly changing, Yandall quickly learned to let his music do the talking. Growing up in a military family wasn’t easy. Nickless Family Community Pavilion in Wenonah Park.Veterens Memorial Park and Wenonah Park.
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