My Inspirations

During the 22-month “virus vacation” when Anne and I spent more nights in our own bed than we had in the previous 10 years of

In 2001, after completing the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee, Anne and I rented a Toyota sedan with clarinetist Bob Draga to drive to Helena, Montana,

Recently I was asked from where stems my fascination with silent film comedy. I was five years old when my Grandma took me to the

It’s funny how as we get older, people who meant a great deal to us in our distant youth—but whom we’ve not thought of or

When I was a young sprat in the 1970’s my family belonged to the High Lane Club in North Haven, CT. It’s not as posh

(Earnest Announcer): When we last left our store-rey, our intrepid trio, having completed their gig on Long Island Sound, was hurtling across the water’s surface

“Jeff, I’ve got a gig for you this Labor Day,” whined my friend Stu Ingersoll in his ponderous yet always welcome voice. “Terrific, Stu!” In

In elementary school, when it came time to choose a band instrument, I went for the trumpet. I’d heard some hot cornet playing from Fred

Last month, I included a partial list of discontinued festivals in my column. Performing at these festivals provided me with memories that make me smile

At first perusal, this edition might not seem too inspirational. It certainly isn’t funny; it may appear somewhat gloomy, if not “doomy.” But bear me

Inspirations can be widely shared or private. We’ve all enjoyed being inspired by a chance encounter with someone who becomes a dear friend or reacquainting

When I approached editor Andy Senior offering to write an occasional column about light hearted musical musings all and sundry he gave me his blessing,