I am thrilled and honored to have been selected as a Feature Film Fellow for Sundance Institute’s Music and Sound Design Lab at Skywalker Sound this July!

“At the Music and Sound Design Lab, a joint initiative of the Institute’s Film Music Program and Feature Film Program, composers and directors will explore the collaborative process of writing music for film. Fellows also participate in workshops and creative exercises under the guidance of leading film composers and film music professionals acting as Creative Advisors who this year will include: composers Harry Gregson-Williams, James Newton Howard, Blake Neely, Alan Silvestri; sound designer, Randy Thom; film music agent Robert Messinger; BMI Vice President, Doreen Ringer Ross; and music editor, Adam Smalley.” Read the press release HERE.

New live performance videos are now available on my YouTube channel.  I am very pleased to share these with you as they capture my septet at The Iridium in NYC after playing several CD release concerts in support of The River. More videos will be added soon, so stop by often. And… thanks for watching!

The River has been appearing on several recently published “Best of 2013” lists including those by Something Else!, Nippertown!, J Hunter (Jazz Journal Association), Bob McWilliams and Jazz After Hours among others.

The Chicago Tribune also just named my septet’s CD release performance at The Green Mill one of its “Best Jazz Shows of 2013”.  It’s truly an honor to be recognized among so many amazing artists! Many thanks to all that have listened to the music for all your support.

I am honored to be featured in the ‘Players’ section of Downbeat Magazine’s January 2014 issue! Written by Michael Jackson, the piece discusses the music on my latest album The River along with previous projects of mine leading up to it. (click photo to read article)

This month, I have several performances that I am very excited about.  In Chicago, the official CD release events for my new album ‘The River‘ are happening at the historic Green Mill jazz club on Sept. 13-14 and at Room 43 on Sept. 15.  The following week, my septet will be making its New York City debut to play at The Iridium for a release concert as part of legendary producer Todd Barkan’s Keystone Korner Nights series on Sept. 22.  Tuesday Sept. 17, I will be playing with vibraphone master Joe Locke’s group featuring special guest vocalist Kenny Washington at 54 Below in Manhattan marking the release of Joe’s latest recording, ‘Lay Down My Heart’.  Additionally, I will be playing with some great artists at the end of the month as part of The Hyde Park Jazz Festival.  Please check out my Calendar Page for details and more dates, and thank you for your support!