Minton's Playhouse was the first band I was ever in that really worked on SONGS. We had a more pop sensibility, perhaps due to the influence of Anthony Dupree, and the fact that Koven was already blossoming into a badass composer.

Jon Austin also contributed a lot to the songwriting. I'll have to write more on what an amazing artist Jon Austin is.

All I ever did was play melodies on saxophone and solo. I was no good at writing songs. Still ain't.

Anthony was eventually replaced with Ian Zazueta, becuase his mom kept preventing him from coming to practice.Ian was more metal than Anthony, and his solos were more rocking.

I think I've lost every recording we ever did, which is tragic.

Due to Anthony's contacts, we got a few "real" gigs. These consisted of playing pancake breakfasts and spagetti dinners for Key club. We once got payed $100 for playing my friends birthday party. To this day, that's still a lot of money for me to get payed for playing. Wow, that sucks.

Donny, Wow, I did not expect to see this page. Amazing concept! It was wonderful getting together for some music the other day. I wish it would last. I was just searching... Thinking about the old days and hoping somehow someone had recorded my memories and put them on the web. Well look at this. But look, I have zero articles next to my name. Better get started writing to myself. So when is the exodus to NY? It is only fit that you share, to the world, the amazing tallent and wonder that you possess. I hope to hear from you soon. John