A buddy's dad was big into the swing stuff when I was 8 or 9 years old. Got me into Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Harry James, Lionel Hampton, Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. I didn't appreciate Frank Sinatra at the time (I do now), but did appreciate the talent of the Andrews sisters. From there, I got into many of those named above and especially the fusion artists. A solid foundation and an ever-expanding catalog to savor!
Which Jazz Artist’s Influenced your Musical Taste?
Many solo jazz artists have left an indelible mark on the genre, shaping tastes and inspiring countless listeners. Here are few of mine that I find deeply inspiring and connected,
Pianist: Bill Evans, Eddie Higgins, Thelonious Monk, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Claude Williamson, Oscar Peterson
Saxophonists: John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Ben Webster, Scott Hamilton, Archie Shepp, Dexter Gordon, Stanley Turrentine
Trumpet: Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Chris Botti
Guitarists: Wes Montgomery, Fausto Mesolella, Andrea Castelfranato
Bassists: Charles Mingus, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown
Who has had the most impact on your musical journey?