Live Jazz!!

Scott and I went to hear Sandon Mayhew's group play at the Gamekeeper tonight. Chuck Smith on keys, Rob Walker on cornet. I don't know the names of the drummer and bass player, but the new bass player is really good. Rob said they got him off of a cruise ship. He's great. He plays interesting solos. Sometimes he bows, sometimes he plays his bass like a guitar. He's a really creative player. The drummer tonight was great, especially his Latin stuff. And of course, Rob? Chuck? Sandon? Need I say more? They are awesome. I wish I could play jazz. Maybe I'll take some lessons from Chuck one of these days, when my masters program is finished. I got to talk to Chuck at length afterwords. He and Scott kind of exchanged words on their economic philosophies. Funny! But anyway, I love jazz. I love live music. I especially love sitting in a booth with Scott's arm around me and feeling the beat of a hopping tune. I love that those guys can get together and share their music with a crowd of people. I love hearing them interact. I love watching Sandon bring the guys in and tying together a piece after everyone solos. I love hearing Rob give a solo of just one note here and there (ok, it's not really a solo, but I don't know what to call it, and it makes me laugh when he does it). I love hearing Sandon solo in minor 9ths above what Chuck is playing (also very funny!). I love jazz. I love it when I know the tunes and can sing along because no one can hear me because it's so loud. I love this bass player who played on cruise ships but who now lives in Boise and is willing to play for pennies in the Gamekeeper lounge. I have a great life.

p.s. I received the greatest compliment of my career today from my teacher; he told me I sound like his teacher, who was also the same teacher of two of my other favorite teachers. What an honor! I'd better practice, and make it true!