For as long as I can remember I've been into music. As a young kid I played toy pianos, xylophones, or whatever I could find that would make a sound. I started playing the drums when I was 8 years old and the saxophone and piano about two years later. It was around that time that I started listening to my brother's record collection, which included Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Tom Scott, Brecker Brothers, George Duke, Billy Cobham, and many other musicians that defined the "fusion" genre in the '70's. This was the music that inspired me to be a musician and write music.

In addition to my degree in Communication, I also studied music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, which allowed me exposure to some great musicians and teachers. One instructor in particular, David Budway, helped me find my way musically, and he helped open the door for my band Stir-Fry to play regularly at The Balcony, which at the time was a happenin' place for jazz in Pittsburgh.

In 1992 I produced a recording of all orginal compositions under my own name entitled "If You Only Knew". The recording was played regularly on WDUQ, Pittsburgh's local jazz radio station.

Since that time I've been performing and recording with various blues, rock and jazz musicians in Pittsburgh, while continuing to work on my own music.

In addition to saxophone, I also play keyboards and drums, and write and produce.

On my latest CD, Upside, I play saxophone and keyboards on 11 new orignal songs. The CD also features some of Pittsburgh's best musicians, and the proceeds from the recording benefit the UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers.

That's my musical life story in a nutshell. I could tell you some stories about scary Holiday Inn gigs, cheesy wedding bands, and drunk and naked visitors to the stage, but that's for another time.

In the meantime, please support jazz, local music and the Reason to Hope Cancer Fund by purchasing UPSIDE.

Thank you for your support!

Tom