I'm in the middle of his autobiography, Learning to Listen. Good read.

I'm here!

Doug Robinson

Ron, hold onto something

First gig, a house concert last week. Chuck Rodriguez on 7 string bass, Jorge servin on drums, me on keys.

https://soundcloud.com/jazzooo/chicken-a-la-trio-edit-1

Thanks, Ron.

Here's a video of Ken Basman and I in action live--someone moved the camera before we played so it's pretty weird, Ken's head is cut off and I'm barely in the picture, but the music is still great! It's the one song I played djembe on.

Scrapple from the Apple

https://vimeo.com/129925813

My musical soulmate, guitarist Ken Basman, died in June of 2016. We had been working on a CD featuring our telepathic improvised guitar/piano duets entitled DUOTUNES. We had lots of great studio stuff in the can and after his passing, I had the beautiful bittersweet experience of choosing some great...

Such a talent. His live double album sent me off on a whole new trajectory as a player and composer. RIP.

And I hope you're feeling better, Ron!

That was wicked cool, Ron.

Here is Jingle Bells from my trio last week:

You know, I never commented on the gig after we played but it was sold out, 150 music lovers. Excellent night.

I've missed your commentary, mjb.

Great interview.

No official review, but I just played at the hippest club in Mexico with my trio and special guest, singer Iraida Noriega. Saturday night, Sept 17 and it was completely sold out (about 150). Great crowd, and everyone played at the top of their game.

Thanks my friend!

Iraida is a rare bird indeed--not just an excellent and innovative singer but a terrific musician all around. This should be a blast. If you've got friends in Mexico City please let them know about this gig.

And Comes Love:

A couple from my new trio's debut:

Most of you have never heard of him, but I think you should have. Ken was not only my best friend down here in San Miguel de Allende, he was also one of the most talented musicians I've ever played with. I met him 12 years ago and we became instant comrades in the fight to elevate a sagging jazz sce...

I knew it!

Alice Through the Lookng Glass

I was not a fan of Tim Burton's movie, but this sequel is sharply written from beginning to end, plus very creative and absolutely gorgeous to look at. Not sure how Lewis Carroll would feel but I recommend it.

Weather Report: The Legendary Live Tapes 1978-1981 Mind officially blown. I'll just quote my five star review on Amazon: This is a four-CD set of tapes that were made during the Jaco/Erskine rhythm section era, half with a quartet (Zawinul and Shorter) and the other half with Robert Thomas Jr added ...

Gracias.

Yes, "bride" was the word, Rita. Thanks.

I heard that the man who invented Autocorrect died last week, and that his funfair will be held next monkey.

You should never resist the urge to do something like that, Ron! I can't believe I haven't shared what it was like--it was amazing, truly. The day started with cocktails on the grass next to our dear friends' amazing house/gallery out in the country. My young buddy Remy played his tres cubano while ...

Very clever Rita! Y bien dicho!