A multi-faceted musician, composer, and musicologist, Jeff’s career began early. At the age of 17, after studying contrabass with world renowned musical pioneer Bertram Turetzky, Jeff joined the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Three years later, in 1979, he left the orchestra to pursue his interest in period music, specializing in unusual 19th-century string instruments such as the bandolon, quinton, and balalaika. After seven months of research in London, Jeff returned to San Diego to found the well-known sea shanty band, "The Jackstraws".

     Jeff has contributed much to the revival of klezmer music, collaborating with noted violinist/filmmaker,Yale Strom, since 1980. In 1989, he formed the popular San Diego-based band "The Electrocarpathians", exploring the fusion of rock and Eastern European folk music. In 1993, Jeff and Yale joined with long-time friend classical guitarist Fred Benedetti, saxophonist, Tripp Sprague, and Afro-Cuban drummer/percussionist Gene Perry to form the fusion group "Klazzj" (jazz + klezmer).

     In the realm of scholarly pursuits, Jeff has retained a strong connection to teaching. He served as an instructor at the Bishop’s school for eight years. This resulted in 'Sixteen Etudes', a college-level instruction manual.

      His work as an arranger has been heard in several documentary films and theatrical productions, including "Carpati: 50 Miles, 50 Years," "The Last Klezmer" and "A Dybbuk" which was produced at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

     The release of his current CD, "Alterations Garden", is the culmination of his life’s work thus far; a mellifluous marriage of art and technique which has allowed him to explore the depth and breadth of his musical heritage. This elegant collection of original contrabass-centered compositions represents an artistic maturity; a musical "coming of age" which displays a vibrant originality, a revealing poetry of sound.