How About This represents a convergence of some very special people.  It begins with Leon Lee Dorsey, friend and bass colleague who encouraged the project and provided the beautiful space that enhanced this creative process.  Leon and I met in the early 1980s in Richard Davis’s studio at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. James Farber has distinguished himself as having some of the best ears in the business. Our history also goes through Madison in the late 1970s in the band “Regalia.”  I’m delighted to have his expertise represented in the recording and mixing of these songs. As a bassist with over 30 years of performance practice in the trio tradition (starting with the Frank Demiles trio), I couldn’t have dreamed to be in better company than to be with drummer Billy Hart and pianist Rick Germanson.

My association with Billy Hart goes back several decades, in concerts, recordings, and teaching. From the first moments of playing and subsequent interactions on many levels, our connection was significant and special. He is without question one of the most important drummers in Jazz today. Besides Billy’s uncanny sensibilities and musical intuition to play in the moment, it was the sounds of his New York cymbals that contribute significantly to this project. Pianist Rick Germanson is my brother-in-law, married to my sister Susan Carol. Coming out of the same Milwaukee scene as I did some decades later, Rick relocated to New York and has steadily ascended through the formidable scene. He’s gained notoriety with his own trio and through his international touring with Louis Hayes and Pat Martino. Rick and Susan have been great hosts over the years and through their generosity, have enabled me to come to New York City for important rejuvenations.