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NASHEET
WAITS
NASHEET
WAITS, drummer/music educator, is a New York native. His interest in playing
the drums was encouraged by his father, legendary percussionist, Frederick
Waits. Over the course of his career, Freddie Waits played with such legendary
artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, and
countless others.
Nasheet’s college education began at Morehouse in Atlanta, GA, where
he majored in Psychology and History. Deciding that music would be his
main focus, he continued his college studies in New York at Long Island
University, where he graduated with honors, receiving his Bachelor of
Arts in Music. While attending Long Island University, Waits studied privately
with renowned percussionist, Michael Carvin. Carvin’s tutelage provided
a vast foundation upon which Waits added influences from his father, as
well as mentor Max Roach. It was Max that first gave Nasheet’s formidable
talent international spotlight, hiring him as a member of the famed percussion
ensemble M’BOOM. One highlight of Nasheet’s tenure with M’BOOM
was the live concert performance of M’BOOM with special guests Tony
Williams and Ginger Baker.
Nasheet’s talent came to the attention of reedman Antonio Hart, who
asked Waits to originate the percussion chair of his first quintet. Waits
remained a standing member of Antonio’s various ensembles, recording
three albums and touring nationally and internationally in noted venues,
jazz festivals, as well as live television and radio performances. Nasheet
remained a member of Antonio’s group through 1998.
Most recently Nasheet has been a member of Andrew Hill’s various
bands, Jason Moran’s Bandwagon, and Fred Hersch’s trio. As an
originating member of pianist Jason Moran’s Bandwagon, Jason, bassist
Tarus Mateen, and Nasheet have been deemed, “the most exciting rhythm
section in jazz” by JazzTimes, The 2001 recording “Black Stars”
with the Band wagon, featuring Sam Rivers was named the “Best CD
of 2001” in (Jazz Times, Jan 2002) and “The New York Times”.
In addition he is receiving accolades as the drummer for Nasheet’s
recording and performing discography is a veritable who’s who in
Jazz, boasting stints with jazz notables such as Geri Allen, Mario Bauza,
Hamiett Bluiett, Jane Bunnett, Abraham Burton, Jaki Byard, Ron Carter,
Marc Cary, Steve Coleman, Stanley Cowell, Orrin Evans, Stefon Harris,
Andrew Hill, Bill Lee, Joe Lovano, Jackie McLean, Mingus Orchestra, The
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Greg Osby, Joshua Redman, Vanessa Rubin,
Antoine Roney, Wallace Roney, Shirley Scott, Jacky Terrason, and Mark
Turner. Waits has recorded and toured extensively in Africa, Europe, Japan,
Canada, South America and the United States.
Amidst his performing, recording and touring activity, Nasheet teaches
private lessons to youth and adults, stressing a personal approach to
the drums and music. He has been heralded for his musicality and creativity
by such virtuosos as Ed Thigpen, Max Roach, Andrew Hill, and Stanley Cowell
. True to his personal philosophy of the necessity to balance Tradition
and Modernism, Waits collaborates and performs regularly with musical
cohorts, contemporaries, and masters. Nasheet is dedicated to exploring
his role and creative path in music.
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