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Bob Roper

I studied music in New York City from 1973 to 1987. I studied with Lynn Oliver for the last nine years of that interval. I played in his big band which used the books of most of the historic swing and jazz big bands, and studied improvisation in his nonet which focused on his four hundred chart book of arrangements of standards and compositions of Horace Silver and material done by Art Blakey's band.

I played mainstream jazz in the school, and with other groups outside at least four days a week on average from 1976 to 1987. Since then, I haven't had as many opportunities to play since most musicians elsewhere seem to insist on playing only at paying engagements, and likely prefer to watch TV otherwise. I've spent the duration of my stay here in Florida showing a lifelong classical piano player the jazz repertoire, and done some sitting in in my local jazz club in Jupiter, until it was closed. I've been playing with my piano guy weekly, but would rather play with others daily. I'd happily fill my calendar with many disparate groups to play with.

I read and transpose for my main instrument, tenor sax, and would like to be involved with a small jazz combo. I'll even tolerate audiences and all the associated BS that goes with public performance, just to play in such a group. I like most jazz styles from the 1940's onward, and have original material.

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