Dear Friends -

Our Jazz Community is small and certainly insular.  It's an intense group of folks - musicians and fans.  We are prone to squabbles, particularly on Facebook where anyone can post their opinion seemingly without reprocussions.  I've heard some say "the jazz community is toxic" because they are so fed up with the bickering and backbiting.  I say we are far from toxic and, in fact, quite healthy.  These arguments aren't about political issues or religious differences but more about the subtleties of Sonny Stitt's style or other esoteric subjects that certainly confuse (or bore) lay-readers.  I only smile when I see these kinds of debates.  For me it's healthy and shows a lot of passion.

One thing is for sure, we care for our own.  I'm thinking about drummer Victor Lewis.  We did a fundraiser for him recently that is closing in on $100k.  It's a beautiful thing to see when people, because of their love of the music, give together in a grassroots fashion to help beloved artists.  I wanted to make public a wonderful thing that happened this weekend.  I arrived at the club as I usually do in the early afternoon to take care of business and grabbed our mail.  There was a handwritten envelope with "Smalls Jazz Club" scrawled on it.  I opened and to my surprise it was a letter from Sonny Rollins for Victor Lewis.  The note simply read "Hang in there, man!" and there was an accompanying check for $1000 made out to Victor.  That's it - a simple note and a check from the last of the GrandMasters who still walk this Earth.  Sonny had heard about Victor's issues and wanted to help him, wrote this note and sent it to Smalls knowing that we'd get it to him.  Of course, it shows Sonny's Humanity and his compassion.  But it's also is another indicator that the jazz community is tightly-knit and still in touch with each other.  Yes, we can get mad at each other and bicker but like any real family, come back together and be there in a time of need.  It was heartwarming to see and affirming that, even with the loss of our masters (RIP Wayne Shorter), we're still here, still swinging.

As usual, we have a great week of music at the clubs.  We also have our afternoon jam session back and running on Saturday and Sunday from 3PM to 6PM, no cover.  I hope to see you at the clubs and I wish everyone a peaceful and productive week.

The VIctor Lewis GoFundMe is still active - CLICK HERE FOR THE PAGE

Regards,

Spike