This thread just popped up. Never knew it existed until now, so I guess I'll post. I'm from the 'other forum', for no better reason than having discovered it first. Now I'm trying to even out my posting in general between the two.
I've been playing piano since age 4 or 5 (I can't actually remember not playing the piano). Started with classical music, but I got into jazz by discovering a compilation CD in the house around age 7. It was 'All Star Jazz Volume 4' and the first track was Joe Farrell, 'You Just Stepped Out Of A Dream'.
Musical heroes at the moment include My musical heroes include Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Miles Davis, Theloneous Monk, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, Art Tatum, Joe Zawinul, George Gershwin, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Jack Dejohnette, Renee Rosnes, Dave Brubeck, Dave Weckl, Paul Desmond, Scott Joplin, Jaco Pastorius, Billy Cobham, and MANY others.
Gear? Got a Nordheimer upright at home, which I love. Nothing else yet (except a Yamaha PSR-2000 that I have no use for). Working on a rig, but my decision of what to get keeps changing, so I've realized I have to be totally sure before I make the investment.