After moving to San Francisco in the '50's, BJ began the serious pursuit of his musical career. Originally playing saxophone, he got his start the "old school" way, jamming at the famous Jimbo's Bop City in the Filmore District. There, every well-known jazz musician in the country would drop in and put the younger players to the test.

In the late '70's, BJ switched from saxophone to piano. Since then, he has dedicated himself to his love of be-bop, emulating his heroes, Thelonius Monk, Bud Powell and Benny Harris while continually polishing his own distinctive style.

In May of 1999, he had the honor of being a part of the "Bay Area Giants of Jazz" celebration at San Francisco City Hall, where 160 local musicians were feted.

BJ is one of those dedicated musicians who has remained fatithful to his first love - jazz. Besides playing and teaching, he is well-known and well-loved as a mentor to younger musicians. Many of today's acclaimed young artists have "cut their teeth" with him. As BJ puts it,

"I remember what it was like for me starting out, and how the older cats were there to encourage me. This is my way of giving back."