Saxophonist Jeff Rupert spent the early years of his career playing, touring and recording with everyone from Maynard Ferguson and Mel Torme to Diane Schurr and Benny Carter. While continuing his busy performing schedule, since 1995, Rupert has served as Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida where he is committed to inspiring young jazz musicians and helping them not only develop musically, but learn the skills to develop a lasting career, a conversation often skipped in university programs.

Jeff and I talk about Jeff’s music and inspirations and how he inspires the next generation of musicians.