Album Notes

This is Vernon's sixth release with Kangaroo Rain Music, Inc./KRMjazz and offers what may be his best overall to date. It is a mix of many influences from Brazilian, Latin, classic and contemporary jazz artists. To get a better idea of Vernon’s musical style, see some of his personal music heroes mentioned below and the "What others are saying" comments. "When you listen to my music, you hear my heart.”
He is affiliated with BMI as a writer and publisher.
He is a voting member of NARAS (The Grammys) and has served on the judging panel for their cd packaging/presentation awards. For 10 years he hosted regular jazz critiques for the Georgia Music Industry Association. He has scored works for television. His compositions have won multiple awards, including Billboard’s International Songwriters competition.
Vernon has been a graphic artist/illustrator for over 35 years and has won numerous awards for his art as well as his music.
He is one dimensional in one respect, his deep love and dedication to this music called jazz. He was smitten at age 14.
His first album purchase was Miles Davis' "Round Midnight” in the late 50s. Other heroes of long standing are, Wes Montgomery, Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson, Joe Morello, Oliver Nelson, Dave Grusin and Antonio Carlos (Tom) Jobim. Brazilian composer Jobim and the music of Brazil, have had as much an influence on him as any and his music reflects that.
What others are saying:
“Vernon brings such a nice vibe into the room.”
— Independent Music Guide
“Wouldn’t you love to have these guys over for a Sunday afternoon.”
— GMIA Showcase
“I really feel him [in his music].”
— Shadar Taylor, sax/flute/congas Miles Davis Group
“The piano chords remind me of Bill Evans, and the melody lines have that dark, kind of melancholy sound.”
— Milo Ippolito, Singer/songwriter
“You are an extraordinary musician. I don’t know any other artist that can transport me to another space and time with their music like your’s does for me.”
— Terri Lindsey, (just a fan)