UNT professor of jazz studies. His youth in Baltimore, Maryland, during the 1960s and 1970s including his music education at Baltimore County Public Schools, and the musical influence of the Left Bank Jazz Society. His experience as a UNT student in the jazz studies and music theory programs (1981-1986), playing saxophone in the One O’clock Lab Band and at venues around Denton.

UNT professor of jazz studies. His youth in Denver, CO during the 1960s and 1970s including thoughts on the Baptist Church community and Denver music venues such as the El Chapultapec. His work as a professional saxophone musician in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s touring all over the world with groups such as the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra and Count Basie Orchestra.