A native of Wilmington, Delaware, I started playing the Clarinet when I was in the 4th. grade and studied with violinist and teacher Estele Frankle.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
I started playing the Alto Saxophone in the 7th  grade at the request of my classmate Ernie Watts, and began my jazz improvisation studies with Boysie Lowery , noted jazz teacher of Clifford Brown , Len Winchester, Ernie Watts, Rick Rossi, Al Cato, Gerald Chavis, to name a few.

While attending Bayard Jr. High school, I began recording with  Teddy and The Continentals, The Teen Kings, Joey and The Challengers and other local and Philadelphia based  vocal and instrumental groups.
It was at this time that I found my passion  - JAZZ

I attended the Wilmington High School and switched to the Tenor Saxophone and studied  Music  Harmony and Theory with Harry Andrews and attended summer sessions at the Berklee College of  Music.
I also studied and had the pleasure to play with Pianist Norris Austin and Bassist Al Cato.

In the early 1970s , I joined the commercially successful band , Turning Point.
Based out of New York, Turning Point toured the United States for 7 years  and gave me most of my solo experience.

Returning to Wilmington, Delaware I began  studying with guitarist Steve Giordano and pianist Ron Thomas and played Atlantic City, Clubs and Tri State Jazz Concerts. It was at this time that I found my other Passion - TEACHING

I am currently working with the band  BOULEVARD and teaching at ACCENT MUSIC.
If you are looking for live music for your next affair or music lessons on ..Saxophone , Clarinet  or Flute, please email me at  rjazz5@comcast.net

In 1996 my daughter  Dionna won the Olympic Gold Medal  in the Atlanta Games. Check out her page.

CREDITS

 The Ernie Watts Big Band

The Boysie Lowery Big Band

The Jerome Richardson Big Band

Lionel Hampton

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

Cape May Jazz Festival

The Drifters

The Temptations

The Shirells

Johnny Mathis

Al Martino

Charlie Pros

Joey Dee & The Starliters

Freddie & The Dreamers

Little Anthony & The Imperials

Jazz in The Park Concerts

Sesame Street Recordings

Almart Commercial Recordings

Ford Commercial Recordings

Atlantic City Jazz Festival

Chubby Checker

Fats Domino

Alumni Berklee College of Music

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