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 Many musicians in New York and L.A said there were no really good musicians in the South Florida area during the 60s and 70s. The first person to prove them wrong was Cannonball, when he left his position (in the late 50s) as band director at Dillard (an all black) high school in Ft. Lauderdale and his nighttime gig at "Porky's." (That's right, there was a real Porky's that the movie was based on, only at that time it was a jazz club in Lauderdale.) ...In any case he went on to New York to become a world renowned alto sax player in the class of Charlie Parker...
Speaking of Charlie Parker... at the same time, Ira Sullivan (who plays tenor, trumpet and flute) made his home here in South Florida. He played with all the greats, including Charlie "Bird" Parker. He's still with us and I heard him about a year ago in a local jazz club.
I think that there should be a large emphasis placed on the fact that in my youth I was lucky enough to be surrounded by great artists, teachers as well as friends to shape my musical career. They affected me not only in my younger days, but also later on. Lori and Ike also benefited from the exposure. Also, my first teacher insofar as music writing and arranging came from Paul Yoder. He would always try out his new handwritten scores with our high school band.
Once again, a very close-knit, talented group of musicians and teachers in this area. And I was very fortunate to be friends with all.
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