Born: April 15, 1952 Primary Instrument: Clarinet
Inspired by stride pianist, humorist vocalist Fats Waller on 10” LP's that included Al Casey-rhythm guitar, Herman Autrey-trumpet and Al Hall-string bass I learned to play clarinet in the Dover New Jersey High School Marching Band. Fascinated with Sousa marches it didn't take me long to discover that Benny Goodman's clarinet style originated with Jimmy Noone and searched for the roots of clarinets' style that led me from Eddie Condon's friends in Chicago back to Algiers clarinetists in New Orleans.
Started the HOT BLUES & JAZZ BAND in San Francisco in the '80's playing with Ragtime pianist Burt Bales, trumpeter Robin Hodes and jammed with Carl Lunsford, Ray Shelbred, Mal Sharpe and Turk Murphy.
Invited pianist Red Richards (Saints & Sinners), bassist Johnny Williams Jr. (Teddy Wilson's Orchestra), drummer Jackie Williams (everyone's timekeeper), banjoist Bruce McNichols (also soprano sax), cornetist videographer trombonist Bill Spilka to play a reception that initiated live Swing-Jazz at IL Valentino in New York's Sutton Hotel for 10 years. Reopened Shutters Cafe with members of the HARLEM BLUES AND JAZZ BAND then moved to Chez Suzette to institute their Jazz policy featuring Fats Waller's last living Rhythm member Al Casey with stride pianist vocalist Peter Sokolow plus surprise guest artists such as Russell Malone, Neal Minor, Kelly Friesen, Bubba Brooks, Al Vollmer, Joey Morant, Emme Kemp, and Leonard Gaskin.
Luckily played the last New Years Eve at The Cajun, a few eves at Shutters Cafe, the last eve at O'Neal's Redbar with guitarist Bill Wurtzel and currently practice with any Pee Wee Russell, Bud Freeman, Joe Marsala or Bobby Gordon CD to keep my chops ready for the next Swing-Jazz gig. Can be found out and about shooting Digital Video for my new venture “Watch Jazz Happen.”
Sony Digital Disc Video camera,
Blue pen and steno pad,
Lots of nerve to be a jazz journalist.
