Clare Willey Group

Clare Willey Group
1981-89

I was privilaged to work and record with Clare Willey while I lived in Prescott. Clare was, and still is, a jazz pianist and alto saxist of extraordinary talent. He heard me in the studio and invited me to play a casual at the Hotel St. Michael. That was the beginning of a long-standing friendship and wonderful musical experience for me. With Clare, I played bass and sang. The Clare Willey Group could be anything from just the two of us, up to 18 pieces depending on the gig. It was always creative and satisfying. Jazz is like that, for those who understand it, and while I was definately the weakest link in the Willey chain, I could still comprehend the beautiful complexity of the music I was learning to play.

@ The Pine Cone Inn

To his credit, Clare was unbelievably patient and understanding with me. As a rock & roll bass player, my jazz licks weren't always the best. In fact, I'm sure my vocals were what carried me. Clare never criticized, was always complimentary and supportive when I did something musically cool, and once I proved myself, faithful to the end.

@ The Magnolia Festival, 1998

Of the musicians that worked with us, Ted Trapp (alto & piano), Mel Zelnick (drums and a former member of the Benny Goodman, Les Elgart and Jerry Wald Orchestras), Pete Hanford (drums), Rich Longfield (trumpet), Heath Krieger (tenor), Dick Brandt (stand up bass) and Stan Daughtry (guitar and a former member of Gene Autry's stage band) stand out as exceptional players. I have wonderful memories of them all.