Born: October 26, 1850 Primary Instrument: Percussion
My introduction to music came by the way of my cousin Nathan Robinson aka “The Witch Doctor” when I was around 10 or 11 years old. I could sit and listen to him play all day. He gave me my first Conga Drum lessons. 1972 after graduating from San Jose State College I moved to Washington D.C. where my real instruction in Afro-Cuban drumming to place under the eyes of Baba Ingoma (The Father of the Drum) One of my class mates at the time was Barnet Williams who at the time was the Conga Drummer for Gil Scott-Heron and the Mid-Night Band. I spent 7 years under the eyes of Baba Ingoma playing in his group The African Cultural Dancers and Drummers. We played all over the D.C. area and anyone who played conga drums studied with Baba EVERYONE. Around 1975 I decided to try my hand at being a pro Conga Drummer and I left D.C. for London, England where I played the “tubes” (subways) as a street musician. There I was able to meet other musicians and I began to play in some of the clubs there (including the famed Ronnie Scott's). I decided to see what Paris , France was like so I crossed over to take a look even.though I didn't speak a word of french. Things worked out I met other musicians and got a gig playing for a dance class at the American Cultural Center there. While I was in France the question I got most (besides what was I doing there in the 1st place) was what is Los Angel;es like. Having never been to L.A. I couldn't answer so I decided to find out and I've been here ever since working small clubs with so many different bands that I will not list them all here other than to say that one band “WaterColours” changed my life. Up until that point everything I did was by hear but in this band I met Jeff Stetson, Gerald Monteros, Steve Correll, Maxx Vaxx, Gary Lenk and Rich Diablo all of who could read and write music. That's when I decided that if I was truly going to be a musician I needed to understand music notation and theory. Rehearsals were my classroom for music theory. I bought a Kalimba and thus began my music education. After a year or so I bought a Xylophone which of course no one wanted me to play because I was awful, but I kept after it and I began taking private lessons from Frank Logar (who was the drummer for Elvis Presley during his final days) Frank got me the set of vibes that I still play today. I did take a few classes at Dick Grove's School of Music but for the most part I'd say I'm self taught. On our new CD which features the Vibes as the lead instrument I also play some piano and of course all of the percussion work. In the words of Baba Ingoma “drumming is a way of life” it's my way! Thru my friendships with Jeff and Gerald I was able to meet Gaston Rene a fantastic musician, Forrest Robinson who is an incredible drummer who has worked with Joe Sample, India Arie and a long list of other musicians. Joe Calderon who is a wonderful guitarist who has played with Dianne reeves, Billy Childs to mention a few. Javier Vergara who works with Poncho Sanchez and a long list of other musicians. Steve Correll who has played all over the world as the keyboard player for the U.S. Air Force band. So not only did Jeff and Gerald open the doors to the formation of The Steven McGill Project they play a hugh part if creation of it's sound. I'm lucky to be in L.A. and be playing with this group of musicians!!! Life is good!!!
Last Updated: December 4, 2011
Ujima Morning Star Records release 2003 Kummba Morning Star Records release 2007 Kujichagulia Morning Star Records release 2010
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Primary Instrument:
Percussion
Location:
Los Angeles, CA
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
I don't make a practice of teaching but I have taught Conga Drumming and at this point I'd add the mallets and beginners fro the .piano. $20.00 per hour
Sorry, no recommendations at this time.
