He has recorded on numerous Grammy, Academy Award, Emmy, and Golden Globe winning media and soundtracks for artists and composers such as Carol Burnett, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Mel Torme, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Frank Sinatra, Pat Williams, John Williams, Natalie Cole, Jerry Fielding, Cal Tjader, Marty Paich, and Michael Bublé.

He listened closely to the Woody Herman Orchestra's recording of "Four Brothers", which featured saxophonists Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, and Serge Chaloff.

[3] The music of Lennie Tristano and the concepts taught to him by Warne Marsh have been of great inspiration and influence over the years.

His earliest professional experience was aged 15, playing VFW Hall dances with bassist Harold Stanford.

He worked in the reed sections of big bands led by Louis Bellson, Mike Barone, Clare Fischer, Marty Paich, and Ed Shaughnessy.

[5][6] He has also worked with Rosemary Clooney, Shelly Manne, Sammy Nestico, Poncho Sanchez, and Cal Tjader.

His television credits date back to the late 1960s and include several seasons on The Carol Burnett Show, which won several Emmy Awards.