I won't do it often, but I have to disagree with Don this time.

The market for jazz is "small but mighty". Think of every music school in the nation. Jazz, or at least jazz rotations are at the heart of most of the programs. Music graduates are well-schooled in jazz and end up scattered around the performing and recording universe.

Snarky Puppy, Pomplamoose, Leann La Havas, Esmiralda Spaulding (SP)Dave Grusen, George Benson, Foreplay, Dave Coz...Bob James...the list of people writing performing and recording modern jazz is impressive, extensive and significant.

The Java Jazz fest and others in Europe and Asia draw 100,000 plus audiences,

Consider traditional (what you're talking about), Fusion, modern and experimental) jazz formats.

Jazz is an acquired taste. It's what I do. It takes compromise. I play in a dining room quiet enough not to interrupt a conversation.

But I work...philharmonic jobs, cocktail hours for government offices...corporate events...industrial recordings....as much as I can at my age.

Believe me, jazz is alive, vibrant and a real part of the American and universal music culture.


You just have to work longer and harder at it; sometimes for less money.


I wouldn't have it any other way.


Russ