My favorite instrumentation to write for is full jazz ensemble. I’ve been in love with big bands since my dad took me to see the Count Basie Orchestra at Gilly’s Jazz Club in Dayton when I was only 14.  Later, the Jaco Pastorius Big Band opened me up to the funky, straight eighth groove potential of the big band.  Discovering Maria Schneider’s fluid forms and orchestration cemented my love and curiosity for the large jazz ensemble instrumentation.  With the House Big Band, I have combined classic voicing techniques with contemporary grooves.  My hope is that audiences enjoy the spirit of the big band with a modern twist.

We released our first record “Getting Housed” in 2011 featuring 8 of my compositions and arrangements.

The first track, “Fred’s Way”, is dedicated to the great Fred Radke, leader of the Harry James Orchestra. I couldn’t think of a better way to start my first big band record than paying tribute to my boss, friend, and mentor. The song is based on a funky Nat Adderley tune that Fred showed me on a New Years Eve gig right after I start playing with the band.

“Twin Call” is my favorite track on this record. I started and finished the chart the night before the live recording session. This six minute ballad reharmonization of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written for and dedicated to my twin daughters who were born only a few weeks later. My friend and University of Michigan professor, Andrew Bishop, plays the extended tenor saxophone feature beautifully. I was fighting back tears on the performance.

I am working with vocalist/pianist Bob Mervak on plans to record the next House Big Band record. This one will include my reinterpretations of popular music featuring Bob’s signature vocals.