My band is The Jazz Matrix which are not featured on this solo effort. They were put together after the completion of this cd in 2002.
Actually the name "Matrix" didn't come from the movie as most people assume. It came from the vehicle the Toyota Matrix. "Jazz Matrix" just sounded catchy.

I love playing live. There is nothing greater than audience response. Anytime I get to play in front of an audience, it's special.

The internet allows musicians like myself an opportunity to get their music heard without waiting until someone in the industry "discovers" them.

Yes. Even though there are great opportunities on the internet, major labels offer even greater opportunities because of their huge bank accounts.

My mom started me playing piano at age 4. Later I also played lead guitar and organ. I hated them all. I didn't fall in love with music until I got to high school when I picked up the trumpet for the first time. I have a cousin who played and I decided I would give the trumpet a try because it looked easy. Hah!!! Was I wrong about that. I only wish that I had utilized the time I spent crying to get out of practicing when I was a kid. I would be a much better musician today.

My earliest influence was Chuck Mangione. He had such a great influence on me that instead of buying a trumpet or cornet like all the other players in high school beginning band, my first horn was a flugelhorn. I was also heavily influenced by Tom Browne and Miles Davis. Some of the younger trumpeters that I like are Roy Hargrove, Russell Gunn, Rick Braun, and Chris Botti. Other musical influences include Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Prince, and Michael Jackson.

I was born and raised in Chicago. It still remains my favorite city.

I play B&S brand trumpets and flugelhorns. I use Korg keyboards and I record at home using Sonar and Reason 3 software.

I recently saw one of my favorite musicians in concert at "The House of Blues" in Chicago. Victor Wooten. I am simply in awe of this guy.