Known for his remarkable creativity as well as his left-handed technique and unique chromaticism.
He was graduated from Youngstown State University and began working with Woody Herman, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, and Lee Konitz.
He eventually joined the Eastman School of Music faculty.
He released little information about his personal life.
His 2012 album Unriched saluted his five favorite artists: McCoy Tyner, Ornette Coleman, Bob Haggart, Thelonious Monk, and Hoagy Carmichael.
