Hello again. This time I'm writing you from Japan where we are touring the Bluenote circuit with the Yellowjackets. The audiences have been just great, and the treatment by the Bluenote staff over here has been stellar. I only wish some of the New York club staff could come over here and take some lessons. Mutual respect is the permeating mode of operation.

After two weeks of not playing my horn, we started this run of dates with the 'Jackets. I know from past experience that this is not necessarily a bad thing. My chops were a bit sore the first night, but by the second night everything was working well. The key ingredient in the whole thing working well seems to be the issue of air support in conjunction with a relaxed embouchure and relaxed fingers. If the articulation and fingers can float on top of the air column, then everything seems to work properly. This is something I learned by feel, and it doesnt seem to go away, even if I havent played for a while.

One of the nice things about taking some time off from playing your instrument is that when you return new ideas begin to emerge in improvisatory settings. I think this is a function of not being able to rely on things you have been playing every night or have practiced. You pretty much have to move from note to note in the moment. To me this is the real beauty of improvisation, where you can say something you never said quite that way before. I'm always humbled by the experience of free associating musically in an ensemble, where you have to create spontaneously in the moment while paying homage to the collective spirit of being in the ensemble. It is the most joyous thing I know.

So if you show up to play and feel like you might not be prepared, perhaps try to keep in mind that the way you put the notes together doesnt have to be something you have prepared, but can be something totally new. What you play in the "now" is what is supposed to be played. Its not good or bad, it is just what is. I like to think the following: Where am I? Right here. What time is it? Now. This keeps things in the present, where you can enjoy the moment in a non judgemental fashion.

Keep the faith!