SHELDON WALTERS
Rhythm+ trumpeter Sheldon Walters was born in Etobicoke, Ontario on July 20. A dedicated martial artist, this ultra-cool Cancer brings an edgy hip sound to this djembe based percussion ensemble.
He began music on the piano at the age of six. Later searching for his muse he picked up the drum kit at age ten. Then a year after that he got a little closer to his truth when he switched to trombone. Finally after almost four years Sheldon decided trumpet had a sound and a quality that filled a niche in his life.
Thus began part of a life-saving relationship with music that intensified when he joined his big brother’s jazz ensemble during high school. A couple of years later Sheldon joined a Latin Jazz band named La Banda Bella that fast became an obsession with all things Latin. And he hasn’t looked back since.
Always looking to try something new, he took a few years off to start a business, but never forget his true love. Music. Sure enough, Sheldon returned to his first love music thru teaching and performing in a band with a few friends. In 2005 he joined Street 66, a band that fused Reggae, Jazz, R&B and Funk genres.
He began music on the piano at the age of six. Later searching for his muse he picked up the drum kit at age ten. Then a year after that he got a little closer to his truth when he switched to trombone. Finally after almost four years Sheldon decided trumpet had a sound and a quality that filled a niche in his life.
Thus began part of a life-saving relationship with music that intensified when he joined his big brother’s jazz ensemble during high school. A couple of years later Sheldon joined a Latin Jazz band named La Banda Bella that fast became an obsession with all things Latin. And he hasn’t looked back since.
Always looking to try something new, he took a few years off to start a business, but never forget his true love. Music. Sure enough, Sheldon returned to his first love music thru teaching and performing in a band with a few friends. In 2005 he joined Street 66, a band that fused Reggae, Jazz, R&B and Funk genres.
Sheldon says, “With Rhythm+ I have the opportunity to work with this group of musicians in creating a new sound, something unique. Something that follows convention but still manages to break the mold.” Sheldon has added a Latin piece to the band’s repertoire.
He continues candidly, “Music literally saved my life. I joined a non-profit youth organization when I was 13. A lot of bad things were happening in my neighborhood at the time and this took me away from it.”
During his late teens when he was in the Latin band he experienced the hype of recording a dope set of joints on which he performed. His aspirations for the future are to help elevate the band and open up his own restaurant/lounge that delivers not only a good variety of food, but also music.
Sheldon’s favorite quote or philosophy that informs his daily ethics for living and playing music is…"How do I know why Miles walks off the stage? Why don't you ask him? And besides, maybe we'd all like to be like Miles, and just haven't got the guts." Dizzy Gillespie
He continues candidly, “Music literally saved my life. I joined a non-profit youth organization when I was 13. A lot of bad things were happening in my neighborhood at the time and this took me away from it.”
During his late teens when he was in the Latin band he experienced the hype of recording a dope set of joints on which he performed. His aspirations for the future are to help elevate the band and open up his own restaurant/lounge that delivers not only a good variety of food, but also music.
Sheldon’s favorite quote or philosophy that informs his daily ethics for living and playing music is…"How do I know why Miles walks off the stage? Why don't you ask him? And besides, maybe we'd all like to be like Miles, and just haven't got the guts." Dizzy Gillespie
