Straddling Two Worlds
A Life of Creativity, Scholarship, and Jazz
As a creative visual artist, musician, and improviser, my life is a beautiful intersection of artistry and scholarship. I straddle two worlds—immersed in the vibrant spontaneity of performing and composing while diving deeply into the academic realm of research and historical discovery.
In one breath, I’m writing music, performing with my bands, and pushing creative boundaries; in the next, I’m poring over old jazz videos, uncovering forgotten gems, and sharing my discoveries with the jazz world. These pursuits aren’t separate—they fuel each other, creating a dynamic cycle of inspiration and exploration that defines my career.
Upcoming Performances
The coming weeks are packed with incredible opportunities to share my music live:
Here’s a colorized portrait I created of Eddie Durham as part of my 2019 NEA research grant, "The Dan Morgenstern Collection." This artwork was featured in the 2024 PBS documentary, "Wham-Re-Bop-Boom-Bam: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham," a celebration of Durham’s groundbreaking contributions to jazz. I was honored to be part of the documentary not only as a cast member but also through my artwork, which has been recognized on IMDb. This project allowed me to pay tribute to Durham’s immense legacy and the vibrant history of swing jazz.
Sharing Jazz History and Research
Beyond the stage, my research into jazz history continues to be a labor of love. Through my NEA grant, I’ve had the privilege of uncovering and preserving treasures from the jazz world. My latest efforts focus on Dan Morgenstern, an NEA Jazz Master, whose encyclopedic knowledge and influence have profoundly shaped my own career.
Dan was a friend and mentor whose passing deeply affected me. I was honored to share my research as part of the JJA Jazz Journalists Association tribute to him.
Here’s one of my favorite interviews from my work with Dan, his portrait of Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, an iconic figure in jazz history:
On my YouTube artist channel, I’ve curated playlists showcasing jazz history’s enduring legacy:
Born 100 years ago, the jazz pianist created an exuberant, one-of-a-kind style that continues to garner followers. Erroll Garner was a phenomenon. He didn’t sing, dance or tell jokes. He never said a word when he performed. All he did was play the piano.
"Just Jazz" Videos: Rare PBS broadcasts featuring jazz legends like Erroll Garner (57K views).
History of Jazz Drums: Tracing the evolution of rhythm in jazz.
Jerry Goldsmith Retrospective: A deep dive into the iconic film composer’s work.
Dan Morgenstern’s Artist Portraits: Personal stories like this one on Billie Holiday.
A Lifelong Pursuit of Passion
All these endeavors—whether performing, researching, composing, or teaching—represent a mix of lifelong pursuits that keep me grounded and inspired. Every morning, I wake up thrilled to chase my dreams, energized by the endless possibilities of creativity and discovery.
Life in jazz is a life of connection, collaboration, and cultural diplomacy. It’s a reminder of the freedom and joy that comes with both creating and preserving art. And it’s my honor to share this journey with audiences, students, and fellow artists.
Let’s keep exploring, creating, and celebrating the music that connects us all. 🎶
