Consider this: though an accomplished, classically-trained pianist, he in fact began his career as a drummer, percussionist and keyboardist with cult dance/rock pioneers Thrashing Doves. Signed to A&M and Elektra Records, he learnt his craft at the elbow of legendary producers Chris Thomas, Jimmy Iovine and jazz luminary Tommy Lipuma, recording three critically-acclaimed albums in Los Angeles, London and New York and touring the US and Europe. Their funky, and controversial, Jesus on the Payroll reached the Billboard Top Twenty dance chart.