Trombone
Started in 2003
Spouse, Childrens Names: Peggy, Kim, Mike and Mindi
What do you do for a living?: Semi-Retired, I took a buyout from Eastman Kodak in 1991 and I work part time as a teller for Family First NY Federal Credit Union
Musical Background: I have been playing as a sideman with various jazz groups and jazz musicians in the Rochester area for over 40 years. From 1986-1999 I was a member of Jim Dosers Penfield Summer Jazz Ensemble. From 1999-2001 I was a featured soloist with the Greater Rochester Jazz Orchestra, Performed for many years with The Rochester Jazz All-Stars led by drummer John Beck, was a member of Vic Platis New Portrait Show Group during the 70s, and have been currently performing from time to time with Hammond B3 Organist Fred Costello's Group.
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Traveling with my wife, I like my job because I get to deal with people on a one-on-one basis, Recording my own Jazz CDs from AOL Jazz Radio, Computers. Tooling around in the summertime in our neat little Mazda Miata convertible.
How did you first find out about the Greece Jazz Band?: Through your Internet Web Site and the Local Newspaper.
Why did you join the Greece Jazz Band?: I wanted to become actively involved with playing with a Big Band again. The venue for Jazz Trombonists in the Rochester area is very limited, and I was not getting to play at all... Sitting at home doing Jamie Aebersold was getting old........
What keeps you coming back every week?: I think this band has a great attitude, the arrangements are very good, very good leadership on the part of the Director. I'm also hoping to bring to the table my past experience as a jazz trombonist.
What do you like best about being a part of this band?: My wife, Peggy is an excellent trumpet player (forgive the bias).. But she is. This is something we do together. She also was a member of the Greater Rochester Jazz Orchestra and we enjoy rehearsing and performing together.
Tell some interesting facts/stories about yourself: I didn't start playing until I was about 13. I discovered jazz at the age of 16 when I heard a recording of the Kai Winding Septet.. After that I was hooked. Through the years, mainly because of having the Eastman School here, I have had the privilege of performing with artists Chuck and Gap Mangione, Sal Nistico, Gerry Niewood, Steve Gadd, Frank Pullara, Barney Mellon, Bobby DiBaudo, Slide Hampton, Vinnie Ruggiero, Joe Romano, Bill Reichenbach, Dave Mancini, Mark Manetta, Harold Danko, Rod Blumeanau and several others.
Any funny stories about the band or anyone in it (favorite memory)?: I'm New....Not yet..but Im sure that with this group...they will come......
What music do you like best (general or specific)?: Straight ahead Jazz and Big Band...some Latin Jazz
Favorite Musicians: Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana, Bob Mintzer, Steve Gadd, Randy Brecker, Ron McConnell and the entire Boss Brass, Sammy Nestico
Musically, I wish I could play like: Carl Fontana or Frank Rosolino..(How could you go wrong with either?)
Anything else to add?: I look forward to performing with this band. Everyone seems great and I really enjoy getting the opportunity to play with young people..they are the future of jazz. I was lucky enough to be around in the late 50s and early 60s when I was a kid and got to play all the sessions in all the Jazz Clubs that were plentiful in Rochester and are now a thing of the past. The Young People today are not getting that opportunity and its great that they can get the exposure through Venues like the band.