Bob Sheppard: The Clark Kent of Jazz

AAJ: Lonely then all the way up until you went to college?

BS: You know, even then really. I got my masters from the Eastman School of Music. I remember when I first got there, they had this annex that was all practice rooms. Each room had a door that was about eight inches thick leading into a tiny little cell with a piano in it. There was a window that was maybe four by six covered with mesh wires. There was this handle that was like hermetically sealed. There were violin players that were practicing, and they never left the room. They would be there for seven or eight hours. I needed to get out and get a drink of water or something. I was wondering if I was going to be able to make this. Interestingly, you go through all that time alone so that you can learn to play with other people.

AAJ: And you have been doing that at a very high level for many years now. A remarkable career, playing alongside so many of the music industry's giants, composing and recording your own rich, complex and melodically engaged music, and giving back by imparting your wisdom and experience with the jazz musicians of tomorrow. I thank you for taking over two hours of your day to chat. I have enjoyed it immensely.

BS: Me too. You're a great guy to talk to, Jim. I really enjoyed it as well. Hopefully we can catch up with each other in L.A. one night.

AAJ: Yeah, man, that would be great. Thanks again for a very insightful conversation.