Biography
While opportunities to study other instruments were given, it was no doubt that the drums were and are his true love.
At the age of 8 the opportunity to receive professional instruction finally came, and he studied classical percussion, drum set, and classical piano. These tools assisted him greatly in his reading and comprehension of melody and harmony, giving his playing a unique sensitivity and musical awareness. Ulysses is also using this ability to compose many different works. He was commissioned by the Washington D.C Arts Counsel to compose the opening piece for the 24th Annual Mayoral Arts, which featured African percussion, Jazz Ensemble and dancers at The Kennedy Center in 2009.
His focus and enthusiasm for the drums has never wavered and because of this; He has received such honors as being selected by internationally read Modern Drummer Magazine as a finalist for "Up & Coming Drummer of 2011". He was also featured in Ebony/Jet Magazine on Wynton Marsalis' list of the next generation of Jazz Musicians to Watch (Aug 1, issue). Stating that artists on this list are not only great musicians but maintain a drive and integrity to keep Jazz music in the forefront of society. Ulysses has performed with some of the world's finest including Patti Austin, Terence Blanchard, Dianne Reeves, Maceo Parker, Ron Carter, Count Basie Jazz Orchestra, Michael Feinstein, Audra McDonald, Mulgrew Miller, and many others. Given the opportunity to tour with many of these artists nationally and internationally has brought a great level of refinement to Ulysses' musicianship.
Ulysses is currently touring with many Multiple Grammy winning artists Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, Kurt Elling, Ted Nash and Wynton Marsalis; which have been performing in venues nationally and internationally. Throughout his career he's obtained endorsements from Zildjian Cymbals, Gretsch Drums, Gibraltar Hardware, Gator Drum Cases, DG Cajons, Avid Group (Sibelius Software & M-Audio interfaces and modules), Earthworks Hi-Definition Microphones, Craviotto Snare Drums, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets.
He also holds the position as Artistic Director for Don't Miss A Beat, Inc. Which is his family's 501 © 3 organization located in Jacksonville Florida; whose sole vision is to expose local inner city youth to the arts. In this role he travels annually and conducts workshops, a summer camp and productions with the goal to educate students worldwide about using the arts as an alternative to violence.
Ulysses' vision is to continue combining all of his talents, furthering his vision of healing the world with the wonderful gift of music, inspiration and education.
In 2009 Ulysses released his debut project, "It's Time For U", which displayed his performance abilities, as well as compositions with his new quintet, " The U.O Project". In October '11 Ulysses will be recording his sophomore Album for the European Jazz Label Criss Cross based in the Netherlands. This CD will feature the stellar band Christian McBride, Nicholas Payton, Jaleel Shaw and Christian Sands. In addition to his talents as an educator, composer and performer; Ulysses has now began emerging as an up & coming producer in demand already with 3 albums for amazing jazz artists, Matthew Rybicki, Mike Cottone, and Jeremiah Abiah that will be slated for released in 2011.
Ulysses' vision is to continue combining all of his talents, furthering his vision of healing the world with the wonderful gift of music, inspiration and education. With his humble attitude, charisma, and vast knowledge, Ulysses will continue in great success.
Featured in the Print:
| "Wynton's Picks" in Jet Magazine |
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"How To Grow As A Musician" Sheila Anderson |
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"The New Face Of Jazz" Cicily R. Janus |