Photo by Jeff Hahne, Creative Loafing
Eric C. Mullis / Vibraphone
Eric Mullis has played percussion for 20 years. He plays jazz drums with various groups in the Charlotte area. He began playing mallet percussion (vibes and marimba) in high-school and returned to it two years ago. His musical influences include Stanton Moore, Milt Jackson, Joe Locke, Gary Burton, Tortoise, Chad Taylor, and Rob Mazurek.
In April, 2009, Eric released a cd of original works, Traditions, which can be purchased through CD Baby. Eric is a full-time Professor of Philosophy at Queens University of Charlotte. He specializes in Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art.
Phillip W. Berkley III / Bass
Phillip Berkley has played electric bass for over 20 years and performs regularly in Charlotte. His bass grooves are the foundation of Actual Proof's sound. He has played bass for various groups in Virginia and got his style by listening to cats like Stanley Clarke, Bootsy Collins (Bootsy's Rubber Band) Louis Johnson (Brothers Johnson), Marcus Miller, Aaron Mills (Cameo), and Mark Adams (Slave).
Scott Brower / Drums
Scott Brower was active in band from 6th grade through high school where he received many honors. He continued his study of music at East Carolina University and honed his abilities by learning from his peers, instructors, and his favorite drum-artists such as Dave Weckl (Chick Corea), Steve Smith (Journey/Vital Information), Jeff Porcaro (Toto/Steely Dan), and Omar Hakim (Weather Report/Sting). After receiving his music degree, Scott spent the next 3 years on the road with the top 40 band "U.B.U." playing the east coast, and with the contemporary jazz group "Spiral." Upon relocating to Charlotte, Scott has performed regularly and has since co-founded the group "T.P.S. Report." Scott is currently the manager of the Music & Arts Center in south Charlotte.
Silas Aldridge / Keyboard
Silas has performed with the Pride of America Quartet in Hawaii (Feb-Mar 2009) and the Pacific Sun Show Band in Australia (Sept-Dec 2008). In November of 2002 he opened for Edwin McCain at the Neighborhood Theater in Charlotte, North Carolina. Silas Aldridge has also worked singers/songwriters Blake Gray and Michael Morgan Jr.
Jeremy Gamba / Guitar
Jeremy Gamba has been playing the guitar for 15 years. He has performed with a variety of bands in Georgia and the Carolinas, specializing in funk, blues, and jazz-fusion. His influences include Jimmy Herring, Dickey Betts, Jerry Garcia, John Scofield, and Mark Gamba. Jeremy played four years of collegiate golf in North Carolina and caddied professionally on the PGA tour.