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Some of you might find it interesting to know that I'm coming off a 7 year hiatus from playing. I had to take a break from the "biz" for many reasons, but my "fire" has returned. I guess I've brought "it" to Texas. As of 2008, I have suddenly sprung out of the shadows and, true to my Batman nickname of old, I've "come out swinging."

I was the longtime featured sax player in many Florida-based groups over the years, the most prominent being: Sketches, Frankie and the West End Boys, the Fred Johnson Group, the Gumbi Ortiz Band, the Dick Rivers Band, League of Nations and Airtight.

I have performed live on stage with the likes of Gumbi Ortiz, Spyro Gyra, Al Hirt, Fred Johnson, Doc Severinsen and Al DiMeola.

But now I'm in Texas and I'm starting a new chapter in my career. This will be the one to remember. So, if you're looking for a veteran sax player with stage presence and chops to add to an original project or to record some studio tracks, contact me. I'm looking to collaborate with Texas talent and I rock as hard as I get the blues and like salsa on my chips, if you get my meaning. Diversity and adaptability are my trademarks as a horn player.

I am also giving very strong consideration to the idea of putting together a top-notch horn section for additional work, as well as my own 2-5 piece group to actually make money in ATX, something that seems to elude the majority of musicians around these parts. I'm of a mind to prove that the right stuff always gets paid.

Track Notes:

I play alto sax on the following 4 cuts --

Imagine That is the title cut from the one and only CD released by the Gumbi Band (also know as the Gumbi Ortiz Band) -- voted Best Band of Tampa Bay by local music columnists and fans in 1996. I have group composer rights on all the improvised songs on the album and Imagine That had airplay on Tampa Bay and South Florida jazz radio stations.

Sunny Day For A King is just in-your-face Latin/Jazz/Fusion and another spontaneous composition for which the Gumbi Band (and I) were known. It cooks with spice, eh? As was typical, I solo-out the end.

Indiscriminate Cyborg Killer is not your Mommy's smooth jazz. Inspired by a famous series of sci-fi thrillers, this track sounds a bit like a soundtrack cut. My melodic ideas are prominent throughout, embelished by the vocal talents of Richard "Boo" Jackson.

Abakua rolls out with a more classic Afro-Cuban funk vibe at the end of my alto demo. I just dig mixing latin styling with other genres. There's nothing quite like it. Again, I solo this one out...but this time into a 3-part alto sax harmony.

Unfortunately, the Gumbi Band was mis-managed and produced and the project died quietly. On the tracks, besides featuring me, you will hear the great talents of Gumbi Ortiz (congas and percussion - www.aldimeola.com, myspace.com/latinoprojekt), Ravi (drums - www.ravidrums.com, myspace.com/djravidrums), Kenny Suarez (drums), Kevin Wilder (keys), Patrick Bettison (fretless bass), and Ede Wright (electric guitar).