He is perhaps best known for his rendition of Sammy Nestico's arrangement of the Johnny Mandel ballad "A Time for Love", which he recorded on a 1993 album of the same name.

He played and recorded with many prominent jazz musicians, including Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Johnny Richards, and trombonist Kai Winding.

He traveled periodically to San Diego to play with his good friend and former student, Dave Scott, a noted jazz musician himself and TV broadcast host.

[1] He was survived by his wife, Maryann; their son, Jason; and two daughters from a previous marriage – Melody Watrous Ide and Cheryl Schoolcraft.

[1] With Deodato With Kenny Burrell With Paul Desmond With Maynard Ferguson With Quincy Jones With O'Donel Levy With Milton Nascimento With Jimmy Witherspoon With Johnny Richards With Red Rodney With Arturo Sandoval With Kai Winding With Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band 'With Ingrid James and San Gabriel 7 (JGS-SG7, 2012)