Born: August 23, 1956 Primary Instrument: Sax, tenor
Jeff began playing music at the age of 14 in high school. In addition to private lessons in saxophone, harmony, theory, arranging and composition, he also played in numerous bands in and around L.A. and attended the University of California at Los Angeles UCLA.
After moving to Los Angeles in 1974 Jeff began his professional career working as a sideman with many “big” names in the music industry including the great Ray Charles, Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Marley and the Wailers and legendary jazz musician Horace Henderson to name a few. Jeff also spent a number of years as a “session man” in many L.A. studios contributing to everything from commercials to sound tracks.
Jeff has lived in and contributed to the music scenes in Denver, Colorado Springs, Los Angeles and San Diego.
A native of western New York, Jeff now makes his home with his wife, Denni on the Big Island of Hawaii.
In 2005 Jeff released his first solo album ‘Trade Secrets’. “It was a collection of tunes I wrote through the years that just had to be recorded”. The album has been well received especially in Europe.
Jeff's 2008 CD release ‘Paradise Park’ has found a rewarding common ground through his love for jazz, latin and smooth melodies. “Paradise Park was a satisfying step forward, a musical reflection of my life and personal experiences”.
Today, Jeff concentrates on new musical projects with his band featuring very talented bassist Frank Musacchio. Jeff’s next CD release ‘Shoestrings’ will be released in May 2011. “In the past few years my style has developed and I’ve incorporated other sounds and genres which have all made their way into ‘Shoestrings’.”
Those influences have definitely found their way into Jeff’s music. Whilst his grounding came in a more traditional style of contemporary Jazz music...he was always keen to bring something unique to a traditional sound. Jeff refuses to restrict his influences to one genre. Instead, he has been influenced by numerous artists and genres of music from across the globe.
“This album is a reflection of those influences over the years and the changes that I’ve experienced recently in my life.”
After dazzling audiences with his live performances over the years, Jeff proves his sound still holds center court.
“My music is the true essence of what I am about...I sincerely hope the listener will be moved”.
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