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Troy Hoffman

I am a historical window restorationist by day, a writer by night and a drummer all of the time.

About Me

I grew up in Bucks County, PA, working in the restoration business and gigging in the evenings and weekends. I am an aspiring screenwriter, but my writing mission recently elevated upon beginning work on a book about a late musical friend, teacher and jazz great, Buddy Deppenschmidt. I have begun crafting many essays and articles as well. I hope to keep my writing diverse with efforts to entertain, educate and inspire.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it is "freedom within a framework", as Dave Brubeck so eloquently put it. Jazz has been a part of my life since an early age. I was first exposed to jazz through my father and then my drum teacher, Buddy Deppenschmidt. I studied with him for three years in the early 2000s (in my teens) and he remained a great friend up until his passing in 2021. He introduced me to Joe Morello at a limited ticket, trio concert that Joe was playing with a pianist and bassist at a small club called "Gobbler's" in eastern PA, which has since been shut down. The best show I ever attended was nothing, because it'd be too hard to choose! I've seen a lot! The first jazz record I bought was Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters" and it changed my mortal life forever, showing me how funky jazz could be and causing me to delve deeper into the genre than I ever had before. My advice to new listeners of jazz is to just be patient, listen closely and ...keep on swinging! That's jazz baby!