On Friday night (8/26) I had a gig with my good friend and partner in musical crime – Lorenzo Toppin.  He asked me to join him to play for a Neo Soul/Spoken Word event at a church not far from where I live.  It was great and probably one of my better performances.  It was the largest audience I’ve ever played in front of.  Considering that we only had two rehearsals to prepare six tunes (including an original) I thought everyone did a solid job.  The crowd seemed very pleased with what we played.  The musicians were top notch and I felt very lucky to share a stage with them.  I also felt a bit more pressure to bring my ‘A’ game and not screw up.  I was extremely nervous until it came time to play.  After Lo counted off the first tune and we hit, I had a good time and actually strayed away from my usual ideas, licks and phrases.  I’m hoping to get another opportunity to work with them again in the very near future.  Thanks very much for the opportunity Lo!

Keter’s funeral was held on August 15th. While it was indeed a somber occasion you could almost feel the bassist’s good natured and joyful spirit mingling among the guests. I know I felt it and it helped me keep my head up. The church was packed. Local artists and musicians from all over the country came to pay respects. Part of those respects included some fantastic jazz performances. As a musician I was far more moved by the sound of music than any words that were spoken. I got to talk with several players and finally got a chance to meet Michael Thomas a talented local trumpet player. We had exchanged emails several times in the past and it felt good to talk in person (and hear him wail on that beautiful Monette trumpet).

I frequently spend time on a website called All About Jazz. I noticed that there was limited coverage about Keter’s passing and what he had accomplished as a musician over the years. When I emailed them about it they asked if I would be interested in writing something.  How could I refuse?  You can read it here.