Hello
Well, it's been a long ride, starting at age 6 when I picked up a recorder at school, then came trumpet, cello, a tour across Europe as a soloist, and then mind-opening experience of college, especially studying with a remarkable person, Barney Childs. My friend Derk Richardson asked me recently on an interview at KPFA, "What did you learn from Barney?" I thought for a few seconds and responded, "It's more like what I unlearned." ​​
JAB grew up in Northwest Indiana, surrounded by cornfields and Amish people. He was a child prodigy – touring Europe as a soloist with the Elkhart Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 13, playing Carnegie Hall at 16 and earning a full scholarship to Indiana University at 17. He went on to earn his masters at the University of Redlands under the mentorship of Barney Childs, a protegé of Aaron Copland. During his final semester there he worked with and composered a piece for Rudy's Perez' 25 Years in LA celebration at LACE (LA). He soon moved to Finland to bring the healing powers of music to work with children who'd been abused and neglected. He found this work engaging, challenging and fulfilling and it would become one of the main focuses of his life.
JAB moved back to the Bay Area, where he performed with and led a number of rock and jazz groups, including the critically-acclaimed, Bitches Brew, a nonet which “rocketed Miles Davis into the future!” * He was also involved with American Composers Forum, 21st Century Players, San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra, ODC Dance, and other modern artists. During this time he continued to hone his skills as a trumpet player, composer, music promoter and producer.
* Kuumbwa Jazz Center (Santa Cruz, CA)
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect!
415 571 9590