Jerry maintains a busy schedule, as a private piano teacher at his home studio in Dallas. He presently accompanies the award-winning Brookhaven Vocal Jazz Ensemble and teaches jazz piano there. Jerry has been a professional pianist for over 40 years. His career highlights have included touring with the Fort Worth Symphony. He was formerly the Music Director of the Cincinnati Playboy Club. In December 2004, Jerry released a double CD set with distinguished bassist Al Wesar-"Samuels and Wesar Perform the Music of Clare Fischer"-which has been very well received. Jerry performs for private house parties, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and business parties. His former students have won many awards over the years, including the #1 high school jazz pianist in the state (two years), two students who toured internationally with the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, and one with Glenn Miller. Another student is currently on a national tour of Cats. Sounds of Samuels represents a musical autobiography with diverse musical experiences during my performing career. Since my mother was a pianist and piano teacher, I have heard music almost from birth. She loved to play Broadway show tunes and varied other popular music from the 40’s and 50’s. In the early 30’s, she performed with String Trios in Norfolk, Virginia. When I was about 6 years old, I heard the famous Chopin Polonaise In Ab while walking down my street and fell in love with piano music. My undergraduate degree was in Classical Piano from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Later on, I received my Masters Degree from the University of North Texas (formerly North Texas State University) in Piano Teaching. Playing in the Lab Bands, I came into contact with more talent than I had ever seen. During my early gigging career, starting in the late 1950’s, the dance bands played quite a few Glenn Miller tunes'"especially “In The Mood.” The Cha-Cha was very big at that time as exemplified by “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.” We often performed pieces by Ellington and Basie. By the time the 60’s rolled around, Bebop was added. The funky style of Cannonball Adderley had a big impact on my development. The biggest influence to my style occurred in the late 60’s, when I started immersing myself in the style of Bill Evans. He is regarded as being the most influential jazz pianist of the last 40 years. All of my advanced jazz piano students learn to play and analyze his music. My latest influence culminated in the release of my first CD'"-Samuels and Wesar Perform the Music of Clare Fischer.