Overview

I believe that it is essential to get as close to the origin of one’s area of fascination as is possible. As part of the process of developing one’s craft, it is crucial to gain an understanding of how the people who originated the art form thought about what they were doing. For me that meant moving to New York to apprentice with Barry Harris, Bud Powell’s protegé. Through my experiences I have come to regard jazz – the genuine tradition – not modal, fusion or so called free as an extension of European classical music’s rich harmonic and improvisational history. My intent is to actively participate in playing, teaching and documenting this beautiful tradition as a means of helping to ensure its ongoing development and as well to pay tribute to the giants who have laid its foundation.