John Coates, Jr. made first trio recording in 1955. He was still in high school. His father was a pianist and an influence 　　as were Bud Powell and Art Tatum. 　　 John went on the road with Charlie Ventura for two years before attending Rutgers University, where he received a 　　degree in Italian Studies. In the early sixties, Coates took up a long-lasting residency at the Deer Head Inn. 　　 I first heard him there in 1969. It was an unforgettable experience, to walk into this charming inn with no expectations 　　and encounter his greatness. 　　 John Coates, Jr. has been a prolific composer and arranger as well as jazz, with hundreds of credits. His influence 　　on the Pocono jazz scene has also spread worldwide through his many recordings. 　　 　　Bill Goodwin 　　 　　 Through the years I've gone to the Deer Head Inn, one of the oldest jazz clubs in the country, to hear John Coates, Jr. 　　play. I've become a huge and loyal fan of his beautiful style and choice of notes. When Denny Carrig, suggested a 　　collaboration between us, I was so honored. From the first note I was on cloud nine and have felt that way whenever 　　I think about that night. 　　 　　Nancy Reed 　　 　　Recorded and mixed by Spencer Reed 　　 　　Mastered by Kent Heckman, Red Rock Recording, Saylorsburg, PA 　　 　　Produced by Spencer Reed 　　Executive Producer - Richard Burton 　　 　　Deer Head Records 001