- As a performer Don has been playing organ with the jazz vocalist Irene
Reid since the early nineties. Together they performed extensively throughout Italy, France, Morocco, the Continental U.S. and the Bahamas. The group has been
featured in numerous festivals including The East Coast Jazz Festival in
Washington and the '2000 Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in New York
which was emceed by celebrated jazz DJ, Phil Schapp (WKCR FM).
During the '90s Don also performed on piano with jazz guitarist Randy
Johnston. Their latest CD is called "Love Walked In".
Don has also been performing locally in New York with vocalist,
Della Griffin and saxophonist, Bill Saxton.
In the 80's Don performed on piano and recorded with multi-instrumentalist,
Ira Sullivan . The album, "Strings Attached" on Pausa Records
was received to rave reviews in the U.S and Europe.
- As a composer Don has been involved in numerous projects for,
film and dance. His score for the short film, NYC/ Johsua Tree, a
collaboration with film maker, Donna Cameron with helped gain the pair
the prestigious Black Maria Film Festival Juror's Choice Award in 1994.
"Felice", a retrospective was premiered at the John Jay College, Lincoln
Center in 1994 and was presented by jazz great, Billy Taylor.
Most recently, Don scored the music to the dance work, Gotham Trilogy
which was performed to a sellout crowd at the St. Marks New Dance Festival
in New York. Duane Cyrus, choreographer of the work is a alum of the Alvin Ailee
Dance Company. His works have been performed in throughout the U.S and Europe.
- As an educator, Don has taught jazz a three universities including the University
of Florida were he was Visiting Associate Professor. His text, "Playing By Ear, the Inner Voice" published in 1989 (National Guitar Workshop Press) discussed his unique approach to improvising jazz. Don has also worked extensively with young children ages 3-5 and has presented over 200 performances featuring children of all ages.
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