About

Long-time jazz pianist and accompanist, focusing on the songs and composers of the Great American Songbook and that era (circa 1920s through 1960s). I work solo and with ensembles--trios and quartets--and often with singers. I'm from a musical family and was trained on classical piano and theory at Philadelphia's Settlement Music School, and studied arranging and orchestration with private teachers. I've also been music director and rehearsal pianist for musical theatre productions, and have composed the scores for documentary films and TV commercials. In addition, I'm a published author and have written, produced, and directed various film and TV projects.

Music

I specialize, as mentioned, in music from the Great American Songbook and the composers and lyricists who contributed to it (Berlin, Gershwin, Porter, Rodgers, Arlen et al), sometimes devoting entire programs to one composer. My approach is based, harmonically and rhythmically, in swing era (1930s-1960s) essentials and is intended to be accessible, never forgetting that an audience is there to be entertained and that the music must land and communicate to entertain effectively. I do solo performances (sometimes singing, after a fashion) and have also worked with real singers, as well as with guitar and bass to form trios based on the sounds of the Nat King Cole Trio and those of Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, and similar artists. It's a smooth, sophisticated, intimate sound that avoids belting (from singers) or venturing instrumentally into modal no man's lands that try the listener's patience.

Audio