J. Dareka

I started playing guitar at the age of 7. As a young child starting out, most of them never really know what they want to do or be. Once my mom showed me a picture of a guitar I knew from that point on what I wanted to be. She made sure that all of my brothers & sisters were playing some kind of instrument or at least singing. During my education in music theory (still at the age of 7) I became fascinated with the sound of other instruments, it was at that time my brothers and sisters were playing. They’d go out side to play, I would stay inside and play on their instruments. My oldest brother introduced me to the Bass Guitar and from that point on I never looked back. I fell in love with everything about that instrument. I am still dedicated to mastering the various instruments that I play. However, The Bass Guitar will always be my primary instrument. I must say that I have been very blessed by God to have achieved my endeavors, for if it were not for him, I would have never accomplished what I have so far. Yes, that means I am well grounded in my life and relationship with God. I must say that I’ve been blessed to have either worked with or performed on the same stage with (just to name a few); Byron miller (bassist for Luther Vandross, Rachelle Ferrell, etc),Harvey Mason, Eryke McClinton, Areatha Franklin, Eddie Franklin, the late Andrew Louis Smith, Charlie Bannister, Shirley Caesar, Chico, Daryl & Robert Debarge. These are just a few of many I’ve worked with and still continue to work with. Most recently (2008) worked with a major old school band called; Al Hudson & One Way. They have a long string of hit records. In addition to my other blessings; I was able to perform with countless Jazz bands, concert bands, Jazz quartet, Orchestras, top 40 bands and countless of Gospel concerts along with working the cruise lines in the Bahamas. In my affiliations with orchestras I have done countless musicals which to include the long running musical “The Wiz”. Throughout my musical journey, I taught music at various music schools and music stores from Detroit to California. As you continue to check my site, I will share much more with you. “Life is Music & Music is Life Open your heart & soul, then and only then will you feel the music”. Peace. j. Dareka

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