It’s been a while since I’ve written a column. My apologies for being neglectful. There are only so many hours in a day, and with the teaching at USC and traveling, writing husbanding and parenting, this column has had to take a back seat. I’m able to write a few lines while stranded here at the LAX airport waiting for a flight to San Francisco to play with Pete Yellin. I hope I get there. We’ll have to see if the weather cooperates. Part of the deal. Traveling, that is.

This last weekend I attended a jazz gathering for high school students hosted by Disney World in Orlando, Florida. There were many talented and interested young musicians in attendance, as well as some luminary educators and players. We all did master classes and worked with the students in playing situations, after which there was a jam session where students and teachers played together. A very inspiring experience, I think, for the students and teachers as well. It was wonderful to tell the students and their teachers from home about the things we worked on to become better musicians. All seemed very receptive to the clinician’s ideas. Most note-worthy was that Disney (spearheaded by Bob Raddock, who has been an advocate for jazz music for many years) was able to host such an event. There was help from Conn Selmer and other sponsors as well. It really felt like a piece of Middle America was acknowledging the American art form we call jazz in an appropriate way. I truly hope that this gathering can continue.

This column was designed to be a forum for things musical that I am working on that I could share with interested parties. Lately I haven’t had a great deal of time to practice or do the usual exploratory-type activities I like to partake in so very much. Sometimes you get consumed is working and dealing with the organization of the that work. Between finishing the concert band and tenor sax piece I wrote, doing big band arrangements for George Robert in Switzerland, teaching and working on the curriculum for my courses, directing and managing the USC big band, traveling with the Yellowjackets, doing some college visits, and attempting to organize a few of my own gigs, I don’t have much time to do my usual routine. I think that writing in some way fuels new ideas for one’s playing. However, it is just not the same as playing your horn and discovering new pathways and things to play. Again, some of this happens when you play with folks, but is so great to get in the shed and work on things. I miss it right now.

When you consider that James Moody, Hank Jones and Benny Golson, all in their 8th decade, practice on a daily basis, it becomes evident that this is an integral part of being a vital and progressive jazz musician. Just check out the recent recordings of these three gentleman. They are playing better than ever! Very inspiring, and hopeful, suggesting that we can deal with this music well into old age (whatever that is) Old is a state of mind, as is young. Our view of the world determines how old or young we feel, and we have a choice every day as to how we are going to approach this area.

This week I have to start shedding the piece I wrote for concert band and tenor sax. Be careful what you write! You may have to play it some day. I wrote some challenging stuff for both the band and the tenor chair. Lots of altissimo and flurries of notes. I’ve played through the tenor part a few times, and it sits well on the horn, but it is hard to play. Sounds good once you get it.

Well, the flight to San Francisco is further delayed. I may not make it in time for the gig with Pete Yellin. I’ve only missed one gig in 35 years because of weather. Strive for tone! Powerless over the elements.

It’s become increasingly important to me to work on being a good listener in every aspect of my life, as a player in an ensemble like the Jackets, as a teacher, as a partner in a marriage, as a parent, as an arranger for hire, whatever the case may be. It is less important what I contribute than the scenario of being part of a larger whole, helping to create a positive experience for all concerned. I think I play, write, and behave my best when I can come from this place in my thinking and actions.

Have to go and see if I’ll ever get to Frisco. Thanks for listening, and keep the faith!