At the age of 13, Quincy Mooring, was given an ultimatum by the choir director of the church he attended in North Carolina….either SING or learn how to PLAY an instrument.  So what did he do? He picked up a pair of drumsticks and began a life-long love affair with drumming. Being a part of his middle school band taught him the skills he needed to be able to read music, but ultimately, Quincy spent countless hours practicing and teaching himself how to play. THAT, my friends, blows. my. mind. To possess, even at the young age of 13, that kind of drive, determination, passion and raw talent is a rare and beautiful thing.

Quincy’s skills continued to improve and evolve throughout his teenage years as he played both in church and in his high school band.  It wasn’t until 2003, when he was in his early 20′s, that he became a part of his first band, a local band that was based in High Point, N.C. called Trial By Error.  Since then, he has played with numerous bands, both locally as well as nationally.  He has toured with both OURS and Plain Jane Automobile, and most recently, became a member of Colourslide (a band based out of Raleigh, N.C., who just so happen to also be one of the most spectacular combinations of musical talent, stunning looks, AND witty personalities that I have ever witnessed! Don’t take my word for it though…see for yourself!). Since early 2011, Quincy has had the opportunity to play with Colourslide in both North and South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Delaware, New York, D.C., Virginia…and with a new album in the works, more shows are sure to be on tap for 2012.

Over the years, Quincy has been influenced by the drum styles of numerous drummers, but particuarly Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, and Calvin Napper, who is also a native of North Carolina.  Each of these accomplished drummers possess their own powerful styles and combined, these men provide decades worth of drumming that have inspired and played an important role in allowing Quincy to develop his own unique and diverse style of playing.

When I asked Quincy to describe to me what music is to him, he summed it up in one word…EVERYTHING. I love that answer…so simple, yet so infinite.

So here we are, 21 years later and his love affair with the drums is still going strong.  Thank you, Quincy, for sharing your passion and talent with ALL of us…and an extra special thank you for bringing ME out of the silence and back into the wonderful world of music.  You continue to amaze and inspire me, my friend!

~Michele