How We Got Started

After years of appearing as a cornetist or songwriter on the recordings of others, I started my independent Sweetspot label in 1998 as a way of showing off my writing and performing chops. It was natural to continue my relationship with Duke Robillard, my first boss in Roomful of Blues from back in 1973; his guitar and producing skills have always helped me sound as good as possible, and I frequently use the rhythm section of his band to back me up, along with many Roomful alumni horn players such as Doug  James and RIch Lataille. I've been privileged to draw on many other supremely talented people as guest artists, including old friend Scott Hamilton, Sista Monica Parker, Sugar Ray Norcia, Jerry Portnoy, and the Blind Boys of Alabama.