The illustrator within me finds profound joy in painting musicians I have personally heard perform live, capturing the very moment they reach that high note on my canvas. Jazz musicians, in particular, are my greatest inspiration. Each piece I create seeks to embody the unique momentum of their performance, translating the energy and emotion of that pinnacle moment into visual form.

My late friend and I shared a deep passion for a New Orleans jazz band, faithfully attending their Friday night performances at "Angeli on Decatur." There, I would photograph them, striving to seize the essence of their highest pitches and the vibrant atmosphere of their home stage. This band was the first to open the show, setting the tone and letting the music flow freely.

This painting represents more than just a tribute to a musician; it honors resilience. It depicts one of the pioneering artists who revived the spirit of New Orleans jazz after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. In a time when the French Quarter’s lights dimmed, businesses shuttered, and many musicians left, this band remained. Through their music, they proclaimed a message of hope and renewal: "We will rise again." This work is a testament to the enduring power of music and the unbreakable spirit of a community reborn.