Ken Middler Soul Journey

Ken Middler Studied music theory and percussion performance and aerospace engineering at the State University of Buffalo under Jan Williams and Anthony Miranda. Prior to that Ken studied various instruments such guitar and Baritone and began to study drums at the age of 15 under Pat Kachefsky and joined the Tonawanda Jazz Big Band and the following year Joined his first professional big band where he met and played with Rick James Bass Player, Oscar Alston. While studying music at UB, Ken joined punk band “Afraid Of Girls” and then met Kofi Wilmot a jazz artist and played drums on his CD “Slow But Sure” signed by Amherst Records. After College Ken Started the Color Band with one Rick James Keyboard Players Eric Williams from the Mary Jane Girls Albums. Ken then left for Florida in 1989 and got his first gig on a short tour with Dr. Hook. Then met bebop artist Jet Nero and performed and studying with him for 3 years. Ken Played drums at Calvary Chapel Ft Lauderdale FL for five years and played 3 Calvary CD’s and began composing “Soul Journey” CD. Ken then formed Rock/Jazz band “Stratus” and also performs with local artist
such as Tony Alford and Derrick Hadley. 10/1/2013, Ken’s CD “Soul Journey” gets signed by Tate Music Group.
Ken’s influences: Chick Corea “Return To Forever” & “Electric Band”, Pat Metheny, Winton and Branford Marsalis, Buddy Rich, Doc Sevens, Ed Shaughnessy, Frank Zappa(Joe’s Garage), Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Billy Cob Ham, Rush(All Albums), Neal Peart, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Max Roach, Steve Vai, Jeff Beck("Wired&Blow By Blow"), Carlos Santana, Eddie & Alex Van Halen(All Albums), Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix, Rick James, Eric Clapton, Paul Schaffer and Anton Fig, Chad Wackerman, Stanley Clark, Herbie Hancock, Yes, Steve Gad, John Pattitucci, Lenny White, Steely Dan-“Asia”, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, Randy Bernstien, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Munk, Charlie Parker, Dave Brubeck, Sonny Rollins, Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Chicago, The Police, Sting, Stewert Copeland, Guitarist Lee Middler.