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Bill Locklear

About Me

My Jazz Story

I found jazz in college (late in the 1960's) through the then new jazz ensemble program. Maynard, Kenton, Herman, Basie, Ellington, etc. were my introduction to this wonderful music. Some friends and I put together a jazz quartet (me on bass) and started playing in the styles of the time, gravitating between Jimmy Smith/Wes Montgomery soul and Miles Davis' incredible quintet at the time, featuring what I still believe is the best rhythm section ever in any band: Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter & Tony Williams. I graduated college (eventually) and became a high school band director for the next 30 years, still continuing my playing as "moonlighting" opportunities came my way. Now, in retirement for the last 15 years, I am a composer/arranger full-time as well as a regular player in a phenomenally good quartet. Jazz is a huge part of my creative life and will be for the rest of my life.