Saxophones, Flute, Educator, Composer
BIO
Associate Professor, Berklee College of Music Woodwind Department (retired). Many years teaching experience at Berklee College of Music, Berklee Summer Performance Aspire Program and Berklee City Music. He was also a curriculum consultant for the Berklee online PULSE educational project.
A City of Boston Golden Apple Teaching Award, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Award and EPA New England Environmental Award recipient.
Jazz-World and Contemporary Music Saxophone, Flute musician/educator. He teaches in his home studio in Scituate, Ma, offers online lessons, and leads the “Evolving Quartet” (Evo-Q) that features some of the finest musicians in the New England area.
A Sony International Records recording artist and featured soloist/sideman on numerous jazz, world, funk, fusion, and pop recordings. Appeared in performances with musicians/celebrities such as the Boston Pops, Boston Symphony Orchestra, John Williams, MIchael Tilson Thomas, Jane Lynch, Aretha Franklin, Temptations, Tito Puente, Kenny Loggins, Four Seasons, Jaki Byard, Bill Pierce, Gunther Schuller, Anton Fig, Vinny Colaiuta, Bill Frisell, Roger Rosenberg, Alan Pasqua, Bobby Sanabria, and more.
Performed/recorded with local ensembles including the Lance Van Lenten Trio/Quartet, the Mike and Joe Casano Big Band, the Berklee Sun Ra Tribute Ensemble, the Gathering, Marc Rossi Group, Sax Plus, Matt Gordy Group, Teka and Paris, World Leaders, Cubist, Los Bravos, the Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, Kubota Power Jazz Unit, Matt Chase and other fine musicians. You can listen and view some clips of my performances here.
Attended Indiana University and received Bachelors and Masters of Music Degrees from New England Conservatory. Studied with Eugene Rousseau, Joe Allard, Gunther Schuller, Jaki Byard, David Baker, George Russell, John LaPorta, Charlie Mariano, Jerry Coker, Frank Batisti, among others
Written several critically acclaimed music books, Creative Jazz Exercises Vol. I. II and III (that have been updated into 2nd edition versions) and has composed numerous technical and theory materials for his students.
Creative Jazz Exercises Vol. 1, 2, 3 2nd Edition
Endorsements:
“His new series of books contain a treasure trove of ideas for both student, and professional alike. After perusing them, I found ideas that I am anxious to incorporate into my own playing. They are a valuable addition to any serious student's library.”
- Roger Rosenberg, Baritone Sax jazz artist who has performed with Steely Dan, the Bob Mintzer Big Band, Chet Baker and many others
"His newly released, second edition of the “Creative Jazz Exercises” books address the importance of developing fluid technical skill supported by a solid understanding of contemporary harmony."
- Bill Pierce, Chairman, Berklee College of Music Woodwind Department, internationally renowned jazz artist and educator, performed with jazz luminaries such as Art Blakey, Tony Williams and Freddie Hubbard
Description and How to Purchase Creative Jazz Exercises Books
- Volume 1 presents chord scales, 1/8th – 1/16th note syncopations,patterns and reading exercises intended to develop technical skill that can be applied to any style of improvisation. Reading exercises in an improvised solo style are provided in multiple jazz, latin and funk-fusion grooves.
- Volume 2 explores the use of both parallel (same root) and non-parallel (different root from the given chord) scales and chords that can be superimposed over chord progressions. The exercises can be treated as standalone etudes or as starting points for chromatic improvisation.
- Volume 3 describes improvisation “Approaches” that can be used to start and develop a solo as well as analyze solos by major artists. Each Approach includes a description with one or more exercises in an improvised solo style in multiple grooves.
You can purchase my books by contacting me using the CONTACT ME form below. They are also available at http://www.jazzbooks.com and http://www.ejazzlines.com
Accompaniment Files have been created in iReal Pro and MIDI formats for all three volumes. After purchase please contact me and I will send them to you.