“A magical, musical alchemist of hip hybrids.'
Two of my UConn jazz students plan to enter the Herbie Hancock Institute International Jazz Vocals Competition. It’s a competition that has launched the careers of outstanding young musicians under the age of thirty, and the featured instrument changes from year to year. I told them something simple: if they… continue reading
James Baldwin described his first novel, Go Tell It On the Mountain, as “the book I had to write if I was ever going to write anything else.” That sentiment deeply resonates with me. It’s been a long time since I last posted a blog article. Reflecting on why I let… continue reading
After a yearlong association with the Hartford Jazz Orchestra - composing, arranging and performing - leaving was a tough decision, fraught with mixed emotions. continue reading
On this third Sunday of Advent, part of me misses the routine of attending Sunday morning services, seeing familiar faces, and engaging in corporate worship. Another part of me is adamant about separating myself from my evangelical past. I have a host of reasons, but a common thread is evangelicalism s… continue reading
Wonderful news! At last night s 42nd Covenant Awards, sponsored by GMA Canada, I was honored as Jazz Artist of the Year. The event was live-streamed from Trinity Western University in British Columbia. I owe a debt of gratitude to my wonderful musical collaborators, Karly Epp, Karl Kohut, Dave Smith, Kris Allen,… continue reading
“Unity” is currently my least favorite word in the Christian lexicon. The phrase “keep unity among believers” is used as a silencer whenever something oppositional is spoken that’s deemed “too political” or requires uncomfortable introspection. I’ve grown tired of Christians quoting Ephesians 4:3 to shut down debate, midrash and justified… continue reading
Hot wings beer. Just the mention of chicken wings evokes great memories of storytelling, laughter, reunions, fun brainstorming sessions and sports games watched. No snack better exemplifies spending time with good friends. My buddy Paul and I meet up for wings three or four times per year, to catch… continue reading
Three years ago I wrote down the goal of either starting or finding a regularly performing big band that would play my music. I’m so pleased to be given this opportunity with the Hartford Jazz Orchestra. And succeeding the great Don Trenner is an honor I don’t take lightly. We… continue reading
Do politics belong in sermons? Politics affect people, and as believers who have been commissioned to love our neighbors, I actually think we should not be afraid of talking about policies that affect others. I don’t agree with this Pastor’s stance here. The loving thing to do is to… continue reading
I m often asked by both musicians and non-musicians alike, what are you listening to these days? In all honesty, I m sometimes hesitant to share, because what I enjoy might not be a good entry point for jazz newcomers. Anyways, I ll go ahead. Because I m currently on sabbatical, I have more time… continue reading