Why did you call the band Fusion Jazz Trio?
I wanted a band that was different than other bands. The only way I could do that was to bring together musicians with a variety of musical backgrounds and influences and then 'fuse' them together. The result is a band that produces a very unique and electrifying sound.
Your set lists cover a wide variety of genres and artists......how do you pick your music?
There are a lot of great songs. So, I/we hear great songs and we play them with a bit of a twist to them. It doesn't matter if it is Classical, Jazz, Rock, Soul, R & B, Movie/Television or Gospel. A great song is a song and that's what we like to play.
Do you play any original music?
We do. There are some great tunes that the guys have written and we incorporate them into out set lists.
I want to take music lessons, do any of the band members give private lessons?
Yes in fact they do. Most of the members of the band do give private lessons and you would need to talk to them individually about becoming one of their students.
Do the musicians of Fusion only play with Fusion?
Heck no. All of the musicians were very accomplished musicians long before Fusion was put together. They can be seen on occasions playing as guest musicians with other artists.
Are you guys going to record a CD soon?
Yes, after being asked this questions for many years finally on March 20, 2009 FJT recorded its first CD, Fusionistic, live at Allentown Symphony Hall. It was an unforgettable night that included an amazing venue, a fantastic crown and music that warmed the heart, chilled the spine and brought the house down. The CD's official release date is scheduled for the beginning on May 2009. Keep checking the site for more info. In the meantime, go to the sound clips page and you can hear some of the music from that night.
Have you ever thought about adding a saxophone/where is the sax?
Actually yes, I have thought about it on many occasions. While my decision to not have a permanent sax in the band remains we do enjoy changing things up a bit by adding a sax to the mix. We love to play with Lehigh Valley saxophonist Neil Wetzel. If you would like to hear the band with a saxophone check out a few of the video clip and hear Neil jammin' with the band.
Vern, who is/was the most influential musician in your life?
That's easy, my father. He often amazed me with the number of songs he knew and from so many different genres. More importantly, he taught me (by example) what is was to be a real musician. Not just someone who could play an instrument well. I hope that every time I go somewhere to play that the very essence of what he taught me is evident and I show what a great teacher he was. I miss him dearly.
