Song on My Lips

Set in the big-band era, this unforgettable coming-of-age story centres upon its authors musical journey through life. Growing up in the small coalmining town of Lansford, Pennsylvania in the shadow of the Dorseys, Stephen Botek decides to follow his musical mentors, Buddy DeFranco and Joe Allard, to a future in jazz. He takes us backstage and into the homes and studios of jazz greats, as well as many of the unique venues of the time.

Stephen grew up in a musical family and trained as a jazz musician from a young age. Following his career as a clarinetist and chorus member in the US Air Force Band, he entered Columbia University to major in psychology and pre-med. He became a medical doctor and eventually a psychiatrist. At home and abroad, he has enjoyed playing both the clarinet and the saxophone, rubbing shoulders and sharing the stage with many extraordinary musicians. He lives in New York City.