Jeff is the University of Central Florida’s Pegasus Professor and Director of Jazz Studies. He is a saxophonist and composer as well as a record producer and artist. Rupert has performed as a soloist on many recordings, including those with Maynard Ferguson and Sam Rivers, Mel Torme and Diane Schuur, and Benny Carter. Carter’s Harlem Renaissance, which was nominated for a Grammy, featured Rupert. He has performed with Harry Allen and Benny Green as well as Kenny Drew Jr. and Judy Carmichael. Rupert is currently the leader of The Jazz Professors. They had two top JazzWeek charts in 2012 and 2013. His third album, “From Memphis To Mobile”, was recorded with Kenny Drew, Jr. Rupert first joined Sam Rivers’ band in 1996. He also appeared on four recordings. He has been a part of hundreds of Rivers concerts, including at Lincoln for Ed Bradley’s Jazz from Lincoln Center (broadcast by NPR) and the Vision Festival NYC. from www.francescastrattoria.com
