In November of 1995 the American Federation of Jazz Societies honored Jane with a jazz festival celebrating her 80th birthday and distinguished career in music. Her diverse achievements include record producing for the Muzak Corporation, official organist for the Milwaukee Braves and New York Mets, jazz performing, recording, arranging and an ever-increasing role as a lecturer and spokesperson for jazz education. She is a founding member and pianist for the Statesmen of Jazz, a group of veteran musicians whose goals include presenting jazz to young audiences across the country. She records frequently and can be found in the company of such stellar bassists as Milt Hinton and Jay Leonhart.
From a musical standpoint, I think I related to Jane most of all. Her career took numerous paths and she became a jack of all trades and master of all. I think she tackled so many diverse jobs for the challenge, but also because she needed to support her family. Being able to work in your field and provide for others is often the ultimate challenge for artists and I have great respect for those who do it with skill and unselfishness. I was able to witness Jane's encyclopedic knowledge of songs and "Standard Time " was my attempt at writing a 32 bar, A-A-B-A song in the tradition of the great songwriters of the 30's and 40's. It was a thrill for me to be able to play it with Jane at a concert.