Dear Friends:

I wanted to relate a story that my good friend the saxophonist Ned Goold told me recently.  It had to do with the late great pianist Hank Jones.  It turns out that a few years before his death one night Hank came by Smalls simply to listen to music.  Ned happened to be the leader of his group that evening and was, of course, surprised to see this great jazz legend and master sitting at the bar to listen to him.  Ned played his full set and Hank sat quietly throughout the set listening.  After the set was over Hank came up to Ned and paid him compliments on his music - he told him sincerely that he liked what he heard.  After they spoke for few minutes more Hank said to Ned: "If you see me leaving in the middle of your next set it's because I'm not feeling well but not because of your music - please don't take it personally."  Ned was touched by this gesture of courtesy bestowed upon him by this great gentlemen.  It made me understand the modesty and kindness of this man.  Hank knew that a historically minded musician such as Ned Goold would attribute an enormous amount of importance at having Hank Jones at his gig.  He also knew how sensitive musicians are and showed great respect and compassion by giving Ned the courtesy of apologizing for leaving early.

 There's something about real jazz masters that involves a humbleness and self effacement that you don't see normally. Subsequently this week we had the great Al Foster hanging out for two nights at the club and I had the opportunity to have a conversation with him.  I found Al to be genuinely humble to such a degree that it really surprised me.  A musician of such greatness and depth who genuinely felt inadequate in being recognized as such.  No false modesty, no bragging - just a understanding of his own place in the lineage of this music and the enormity of the scope of the tradition.  We can all take lessons from men such as Hank Jones and Al Foster - real courtesy and respect to all other musicians and a true modest approach to this music and to life - assuming nothing.  This is something all of us need to face in light of our day to day ego struggles and pride issues.  The music is greater than all of us and it's best simply to be respectful, polite and compassionate.

I wish all of you a great week and sincerely hope to see you at the club!

Best,

Spike