That’s Life – Sorta

Musical Beginnings: A Close ‘N Play Record Player at age 5, began Piano at age 8, Trumpet at age10, and was just always singing.

Influential Musicians: Paul Hoverman (teacher), Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis, Alison Krauss

Favorite Song: I Get Along Without You Very Well – Hoagy Carcmichael

Favorite Movies: Anne of Green Gables; Tommy Boy

Favorite Video: Musicless Musicvideo – Elvis Presley, Blue Suede Shoes

Brush With Fame: Mickey Rooney once sat backstage just to listen to me. When I finished playing, Rooney’s bass player offered me a job in Vegas.

Favorite Concert: 2010 – an obscure 83 year old Retired Classical Concert Pianist just sat and randomly chose piano concertos off the top of his head. He played 2 to 3 hours for maybe 30 to 40 people at Purdue University, Fort Wayne. I never witnessed such effortless virtuosity and artistry. It was a surreal experience.

Why Sorta Sinatra? Well, I’m actually more like Chet Baker – but most people don’t know Chet. But Everyone knows Frank “Sinatra” – and I’m “Sorta” like Frank.

Why I Love This Music: Through the early 1900’s “Tin Pan Alley” pounded out thousands of the greatest melodies ever written. There’s nothing funner than singing a great melody. When performing, it always fascinates me how many kids will stop & listen – captivated by tunes which are still cool, but rarely ever heard.