I was born in Pittsburgh, where I first studied in music at the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children. I became interested in playing the piano at the age of 7 and started formal piano lessons at the age of 8. I took lessons on the flute at age 11 in preparation to be able to play in the WPSBC High School concert band. On the piano I began training in jazz and improvisation with lessons by a professional jazz piano player, Robert Koshan, at the WPSBC at age 12. On my twelfth birthday I received an accordion as a gift from my parents and mastered it very quickly. In junior high I formed a jazz combo (playing piano) with three other musicians. We entered a talent show at WPSBC and won first place. I played piano at many benefit functions for my school in high school. I also sang in the choir and played flute in the high school concert band, and I played piano in the concert eleven-piece stage band. As a member of the WPSBC Key Club, I won state wide talent shows; first place as a freshman, second place as a sophomore and first place as a senior, playing the piano. I began a professional career as a senior in high school playing in a variety of venues on weekends. The first notable job came in 1971 at The Holiday House in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, where I played organ in a trio. We played between and after shows performed by Phyllis Diller, Mel Torme, Jack Jones, The Four Seasons, The Lettermen, Brenda Lee, Al Martino, The Mills Brothers, and more for about a year. I performed with notable jazz artists in the 1970's, such as Sonny Stitt, Lou Soloff, Stanley Turrentine, Rodger Humphries, and others. In the mid 70's, I toured with a country/pop/jazz band playing organ, Fender Rhodes, and Mellotron. Through the years, I had a wonderful mentor and friend, legendary Jazz Hammond B3 organist Richard "Groove" Holmes. He taught me a lot about playing lefthand bass on the B-3 Hammond organ. In 1977 through 1979,a group of my fellow musicians and I formed a jazz funk band called Kid Smoker. I played Fender Rhodes and synthesizer in that band. I played keyboard in the Kenny Blake Trio from 1984 through 1991 in many venues such as weddings receptions, house parties, restaurants. and concerts. The trio was made up of musicians Kenny Blake, Roger Humphries, and myself. I played the piano parts with my right hand, and the bass with my left hand on a synthesizer keyboard. I still play with that group upon occasion. I played keyboard for the very improvisational contemporary jazz band Robby Klein and Friends, and I still play with them. I performed many gigs with legendary jazz guitarist Jimmy Ponder for a time. From 1991 through 1998 played solo piano for Sunday brunch at The Balcony restaurant/bar located in the Shadyside section of Pittsburgh. In 1996, I joined Jimmy Sapienza and Five Guys Named Moe as music director and keyboard/piano player. After all these years, I still perform with him in many venues including the annual KDKA Spaghetti Breakfast, many of which were hosted by John Signa. Other venues include the Columbus Day Parade, Italian festivals (Bloomfield), restaurants/bars, conventions, golf classics, Steeler games (at both Three Rivers stadium and Heinz Field), swing dances, senior homes, and concerts. During the holiday season of 2013, I produced and recorded a solo Christmas CD, A Christmas Card for You, which has sold many copies. In April 2014 I was selected and entered into the Pittsburgh Jazz Hall of Fame and was presented with a plaque commemorating the induction. Through the years up to now, the trip has been beautiful! I've met and entertained many wonderful people. My foot is still on the accelerator. Whether it's one person or many people, I love creating a mood with a song or songs. |