"Who do you sound like?"

Every musician has been asked this question at some point in their musical careers. A manager at a club will ask that to see if you're the right fit for their crowd. Another musician may ask you that question to get to know you better.

It is probably one of the most difficult questions to answer! As a harmonica player, I wrestled with this question many times. Do I dare say "I sound like Toots."? ...or Stevie, or Jerry Murad of Harmonicats fame, or ... Out of sheer respect for the aforementioned musicians, I try to avoid saying I sound like any of them.

How about other jazz musicians? Well, I listen to Miles, Trane, Art Pepper, Brubeck, Desmond, ... Do I "sound" like any of them?? Again, out of respect and homage, I try not to say I sound like any of them.

It hit me today that maybe I don't need to say who I sound like, but rather who or what I am most influenced by. All of the jazz artists I mentioned before are from the West Coast cool era and I fins that I listen to that school of jazz the most. Add to that list Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Bud Shank, and others and you'll get the idea.

So, if you read this, you may have heard me at one point or another. If not, you can certainly hit my website and hear soe of my music. What do you think I sound like? Does the West Coast cool era influence come thru? There's no right or wrong answer...

I'd love to hear what you think!!

...til next time.