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Wed. 2/11/09 7am about!
I just finished another letter to a former student from Caldwell. It seems that since I enrolled in Facebook I've been fortunate to hear from so many former students and parents. Very cool. Also alot of musicians are sharing stuff. As for You Tube forget about it. Once I go there I can hardly stop for food or sleep or anything. I'm becoming a You Tube junkie. Now Fran and Geoff sent us a Flip so I have to start entering some video on our Facebook or e mail sights. I'm a little slow on the technology end (as Al and Paula will attest) so don't hold your breath, but eventually I'll get out some videos to you all. The usual Feb. thaw is here to tease us all. The snow and ice are gone, but the cold will be back. I remember years ago spending a Feb. thaw in the Woodstock house with Bucky and Sean. We kept warm with the woodburning stove and wore sweaters even though the ground was snow covered. We used melted snow to flush. Hah!! I'm not ready for that now, but I can't wait to see Spring and get back to the Woodstock cabin. Usually around Easter or Passover. Just played our CHS music fundraiser with a fine Brass 5. A joy. Students are wailing; Region groups, NJPAC etc. I'm supposed to be in Bethesda this week but the kids have a bug, or colds, so I'll wait until next week. Meantime we have plenty to practice and prepare for here. Beethoven's 3rd, Tbone stuff, Brass 5 stuff etc. We've had some exciting and encouraging performances recently so we're moving forward. Carol and I have been trying to get to some movies, plays etc. between occasional gigs etc. Last night DEFIANCE. Heavy stuff, but an amazing movie. Hope to read more about that soon. Reading now a book about Music prodigies. Inspiring. 1st read about my teacher Gary Karr, then Mozart. Next Glenn Gould. All fascinating stuff. Can't wait to read more about Jacqueline, then Daniel. We saw the 2 of them with Pinchas in the late 60s at Carnegie Hall. She was so amazing. Her playing of course, but her mere presence in the room. I've felt that a number of times. The presence of some artists can change the vibe in a space. For me Connie Kay did that one afternoon at Fred's house. Connie sat behind the drums and everything changed...the music...the lighting...the conversations ended....the mood....the vibe. Unbelievable presence. That's why it is so amazing to be in the presence of these artists. Inspiring stuff. Energizing. Thought provoking. We're on our way next week to see Christine in Blythe Spirit. Billy tells us to be sure to get backstage. We will. Soon more Philharmonic . Last week being in a club downtown Newark at midnight was a gas. To hear Dan and Steve and Yakiko.I used to stop by the Front Room on the way home from the music studio after teaching. Miss those club years. The Vanguard was a regular. We're hoping to put a new band together soon playing some Country blues etc. Fun music. Meantime we're digging whatever is out there. Benny Golson's new album brings me back to the 1st time I heard him and Art back in the late 50s. Incredible tone, energy, soul. The NewTet. Like seeing/hearing Blakey, Horace, Bill Evans, Miles, Ron, Roy Haines etc. Artistry on such a deep level. Gary, Jennie, Leonard, Igor, Rene Fleming, Fischer Dischau, YoYo. Keith tells me Dudamel is the real deal. I should have gone to see/hear him last month in NYC. I gotta go soon. Digging his stuff on You Tube.
So, thanks for keeping up with me. I feel healthy. People tell me I look healthy, if a bit overweight. Back to MSK for a checkup in a few weeks. So far so good. We're dealin'. Thanks for your support, prayers, communications, love etc. Back atcha!! JIMBO
Things happen in 3s. I lost 3 friends this month. Drag. That's enough now, no more. Keep healthy. JIMBO