Stafford performs Thursday May 31 at Makeda
NBJP: How old were you when you first played in front of an audience (beyond your family)?
SH: I think I was 10 or 11 years old. It was funny because during my first concert, I had maybe a 2 or 3 bar solo. Just 7-10 seconds. I was so nervous that my hand slipped off of my trombone slide, and it went flying off of the stage. I had to sit there until the song was over. I was so embarrassed.
NBJP: What’s your favorite jazz tune?
SH: Hmm…. that is a tough one. Too many to make a choice.
NBJP: You are a musician, is there another art in which you’d like to be accomplished?
SH: Hmmm…. I’m not sure I COULD do anything else.
NBJP: What’s your favorite (G-rated) non-musical pastime?
SH: I used to love fishing as a kid.
NBJP: What’s the worst job you ever had?
SH: I worked in an Arby’s fast food restaurant when I was 17 or 18. That sucked!!!
NBJP: If you could live anywhere in the world where would that be?
SH: I think about that often these days. I always think about leaving the New York City area. I have been here since 1990. More than 20 years. Some times I think it is enough. Even though, some times I think there is no place like NYC. And, I can’t go anywhere. Hmm… IF I did leave… maybe I could go to Japan or Miami or San Francisco. Not sure. Maybe I’d look for a teaching gig at a small university in a small town… anywhere!
NBJP: Finish this sentence – I own too many ______
SH: I own too many just THINGS in general!!! Clothes, CD’s, dvd’s, etc… Take your pick. LOL
PLUS ONE: When did you know that you wanted to be a professional jazz musician?
SH: I never thought about being a professional jazz musician. I just did what I do. Play music. Any music. I have never stopped since I was maybe 16 years old.
