1952
Oneonta Senior High School, Oneonta, NY
Leader of the high school’s Jazz Quintet featuring strong horns (tenor sax, trombone) with a weak rhythm section. This group performed such well-known warhorses as “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home?” It couldn’t have won anything other than local recognition, but it was entertaining as hell.
1954
Empire Boys State summer convention, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY
Leader of the Boys State Jazz Quintet that took a talent show victory. This Jazz at the Philharmonic-styled small group (tenor sax, trombone, piano, bass and drums) was made up of top high school musicians from all over New York State. Even though nothing approaching Charlie Parker compositions was attempted with only a couple of rehearsals, this ensemble was quite a step up from each performer’s local music environment.
1956
Catskill Mountain area clubs, New York State
Drummer with the Chan House Quartet, a Chet Baker-influenced group that featured Baker originals, Clifford Brown compositions, and those Charlie Parker tunes that, no matter how many times you play them, still seem technically elusive. The trumpeter, Fred Mills from Guelph, Ontario, attained a certain measure of success in the New York classical world. Had this group become a permanently working band, a recording might have been possible in the late 1950s.
1958-59
Second U.S. Army Band, Fort Meade, MD
Featured drum set soloist on tour throughout the eastern United States. One of the constantly performed selections was an African suite containing so many corny passages that Art Blakey would have burst out in convulsive laughter before the end of the first 32 bars. All the other tunes were crowd-pleasers, but challenging.
Performer on the White House lawn numerous times for ceremonies hosted by President Eisenhower when the U.S. Army Band—whose privilege that normally was—remained on tour in Europe or Asia.
1968-1974
East Detroit Conservatory of Music, East Detroit, MI
Private drum teacher of approximately 60 students a week. One outstanding student, Tony Pia, became an accomplished jazz artist, performing with bari sax virtuoso Pepper Adams and, eventually, Maynard Ferguson. He most recently accompanied singer Bobby Caldwell. Some have gone on to participate in college and university drumlines. Others have become high school and university music department heads.
Jazz clinician at suburban Detroit middle schools and high schools.
Early to mid Seventies
Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, MI
Teacher of jazz theory and jazz history. In theory classes, students chose selections from a required list of Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins originals and learned the mechanics of theory in application. Though this approach was considered backward by some educators, the enthusiasm and dedication of the students remained high, and the results were rewarding for students and teacher alike.
Mid Seventies
Playboy Club, Detroit
Jazz drummer with the Jack Pierson Trio, backing auditioning singers for the Playboy Club circuit and providing Bill Evans-style jazz entertainment. Blue Note label recording artist Kenn Cox and Kirk Lightsey’s bassist Jimmy Hankins were occasional standout participants.
1979-91
Jazz Composer’s Orchestra Association/New Music Distribution Service (JCOA/NMDS), New York
Marketing/sales director for nationally funded organization acting as record distributor for and career advisor to independent musicians. Record sales reached retail outlets and individuals worldwide.
1999-2005
Joe’s Music, Eastpointe, MI
Drum instructor for regional retail chain.