Alto Sax
Started in 2003
Family: Children Erin (9) and Ethan (6)
Schools Attended, Degrees: Rochester Institute of Technology, BFA 1986
Vocation: Industrial/Product Designer, Educator
Musical Background: Began lessons 1973. ES-M High School marching band drum major. Lead alto, RIT Jazz Ensemble 1982-2001. Toured for 6 months with Nik and the Nice Guys, including Superbowl XXI (Pasadena) gigs. Performed locally with Nate Rawls Big Band, Dave Remington/Jim Hynes Big Band, Skycoasters, Ben Grammatico/Gate Swingers, Southern Tier All-Star Big Band, Blue Diamond Big Band (Geneva), Me and the Boyz (R&B). Co-leader, Standard Jazz Quartet, 2001-present
Hobbies/Interests: my kids, jazz, adventure novels, hiking/outdoor adventures
How did you first find out about the Greece Jazz Band?: Word of mouth... Sherman Curry ran into Jim Battaglia in a record store, and Sherman got us hooked up with the band.
Why did you join the Greece Jazz Band?: I've been playing in big bands for over twenty-five years, so when I found myself without a big band gig and this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.
What keeps you coming back every week?: It's pretty cool to be playing in a big band that's full of talent and everyone is more concerned about the music than the bread.
Tell some interesting facts/stories about yourself: For seven years after college, I hosted "The Heart of Jazz", a Sunday-night jazz music program on 89.7 fm, WITR. Besides having an opportunity to do nothing for a few hours each week but spin and listen to jazz on vinyl, I did phone interviews with Mike Mainieri of Steps Ahead and Phil Woods. I hung out and did a live interview with legendary drummer Max Roach.
Favorite Music: Acoustic small group jazz, edgy electric jazz, funk/soul
Favorite Musicians: Phil Woods, Paul Desmond, Terrance Blanchard, Harry Connick Jr., Al Jarreau, Mike Stern, Level 42, Tower of Power, Steely Dan