Album Notes

My grandfather Pete Perry was the first working musician I ever knew. Like his idol, Count Basie, he was a piano player and a bandleader. He sold real estate in his day job, but nothing was more important to him than getting musicians together and playing charts.

When I was 17 years old, I got to play with the Pete Perry Orchestra at a party for my grandparent’s 50th anniversary. I was scared to death! These guys were old pros while I had only played with school bands, but I could read, so I played and had a blast.

Prior to this CD, I had never recorded with a piano player; I always felt that my grandfather occupied the chair. Then I met Jesse Taitt, a truly special player, and at 19, an inspiration to me. I think my grandfather would have loved hearing Jesse play piano, especially on our version of “Lil’ Darlin,” a tune that ranked as my grandfather’s favorite Count Basie chart.

My grandfather died in 1989, nearly 20 years before the sessions for this CD. I am thrilled to have found a way to properly express my gratitude to the man who inspired me to walk the same path as him.