Composer / Pianist / Educator - Division Head of Graduate Jazz Studies at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia with two CD releases as leader.
Born and raised in Clifford Brown's hometown of Wilmington, Delaware I began to study piano in 1961 at the age of ten. In 1975 I received a Bachelor of Music degree in composition from North Texas State University where my classmates included Marc Johnson, Lyle Mays, Dennis Irwin, and John Riley. My Master of Music degree in jazz studies is from Rutgers. I've been fortunate to study with some wonderful teachers including Bernard Peiffer, Sir Roland Hanna, and Kenny Barron. My playing experience in concerts, clubs, and recording studios includes performances with many great musicians including: Ernie Watts, Donald Byrd, Henry Mancini, Marcus Belgrave, Terell Stafford, Eddie Gomez, Patti Austin, Randy Brecker, Robin Eubanks, Duane Eubanks, John Fedchock, Al Stauffer, and Larry McKenna. I have two CD releases as leader; ONLY BELIEVE on Cadence Jazz Records and SUDDEN LIFE on Dreambox Media. My current working trio includes drummer Fred Biondi and bassist Micah Jones. Teaching has been an integral part of my career and I have contributed numerous educational articles to jazz publications such as Downbeat and Jazz Improv. I am currently a full professor at The University of the Arts where I am Division Head of Graduate Jazz Studies and Piano Department Chair.
