My love of jazz began at the age of 16 when I heard my first Clifford Brown record, "Study in Brown." To this day, one of my all time favorite recordings. I grew up with jazz, funk, soul, and broadway music playing in my house. My mother and father were serious music lovers, and I went to my first jazz concert at the age of 10. It was the Blue Wisp Big Band, and I've never forgotten that sound. The first time I got to play with that band was 11 years later, and it's still my favorite group to hear whenever I get back to Cincinnati. I don't know if I could name a "best show," but one that has stuck with me since seeing it was the Dave Holland Sextet in Knoxville, TN during my undergrad. It was a combination of the music and the group of friends (people I'm still close with today) that I shared the trip and concert with. Something special about that show which featured Alex Sipiagin, Antonio Hart, Robin Eubanks, Mulgrew Miller and Eric Harland, and the bonding that happened around the music and trip with my musical brothers. The first jazz record I bought was "Clifford Brown with Strings." I went to buy "Study in Brown," but the local record store didn't have it. Instead I bought Clifford w/String which is still my favorite recording of Brownie... his sound, that's it. My advice to new listeners is to be open. You never know what will strike you. And, maybe more important, it's okay for your taste in this music to change and evolve (or devolve.) There's no shortage of creativity in jazz, and remaining open to it is what will always lead you to new discoveries. I hope my music and band are something you'll consider checking out. It's music for everyone, and while it may not be the most cutting edge, or modern, it's honest and open. I hope you'll check out the Organic Quintet.