Al’s extensive Drum Corps experience has led him to a remarkable career as a professional performer. At age 9, he joined the Edison Saints, later moving on to featured soloist spots with the Garfield Cadets, Reading Buccaneers and Bushwackers. The Cadets, Bushwackers, Oakland Crusaders, Bucs, Crossmen, Empire Statesmen, Fusion Core and Jersey Surf have all benefitted from his instructional expertise.
In 1979, he joined Jon Bon Jovi to form Atlantic City Expressway, leading to other work with notables like Robert Cray, Tower of Power, Sting, Spyro Gyra, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Snoop Dog and James Brown. Al has performed at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, presidential inaugurations, White House concerts, John Lennon’s 50th Birthday Celebration, the 1996 Olympics, and the Concert for New York 9/11 Commemoration.
He is perhaps best known for his several years on Late Night with David Letterman (NBC) and the Late Show (CBS). His current band, Al Chez and the Brothers of Funk tours extensively, featuring a unique and powerful blend of Classic Rock, Soul, Jazz and Standards. Al is a member of the Cadets, Crossmen, New Jersey Drum Corps, and Buglers Halls of Fame, and has judged General Effect Music for DCI.
