Dear Friends:

I was conversing with my dearest friend, the legendary vibraphonist Lennie Cuje about the nature of jazz.  Lennie's been playing since the early 1950's and is a keen observer of our scene.  He has seen society change in big ways and seen our music as it unfolds over multiple generations.  "Spikey", he said in his German accent, "this music is pure!  It's the purity that retains and absolves us.  It's what attracts and surprises people - the purity."  I have to agree.  It seems that no matter what else goes on in the world we have this musical sanctuary to escape to - this Pure Land.  The joy of swing, the satisfaction of a balanced phrase perfectly timed.  The humor, the seriousness.

I hate to admit that I am getting older.  Lennie, who is turning 84 this month, says that he doesn't regard himself as "old" - even though he has aches and pains.  When he plays, it's that pure land of joy - like a kid romping through a chorus of "Stomping At The Savoy".  Whether 18 or 84, his inspiration and feeling is the same one throughout his life.  From my perspective, I'm now in my 30th year of playing professionally and observing the scene.  The ferment at Smalls seems to be frothing and bubbling over just as much as it did when I first got there at the age of 24.  Only now, I see the kids of my friends playing there professionally and taking up the mantle.  I see Charles and Albert Gould Gould (sons of Ned Gould), Mark Jr and Davis Whitfield (sons of Mark Whitfield), Malik McLaurine (son of Marcus McLaurine), Daryl Johns (son of Steve Jonhs), Adrian Moring (son of Bill Moring), Julian Lee (son of Mike Lee) - this is just to name a few.  But, man, families!  Families of jazz musicians stretching over generations, receiving the music and transmitting it to the future.  I think that only something precious and pure can traverse the seas of time and change and that element is Truth.  The Truth can't be tarnished or diminished and that's the secret strength of our music.  It is on the wings of Truth that we can continue to fly and to preserve our cultural heritage which is jazz music.

As always there's great shows all week at both clubs.  I sincerely hope to see you there, shake your hand, get you settled into a seat and let you experience this music.

Regards,

Spike