Happy Anniversary

Tues.,Dec. 28, 2010. We spent yesterday cleaning up from a brutal Nor'easter. About 16" of snow blown around into 4' drifts around the doors, porches, cars etc. Just as the storm began I went to Target and "Mo's with Maayan and we got good boots an gloves for the kids (and a couple of new sleds as well). Faith, the kids Au Pair is from South Africa and had not experienced snow like this before. Riv and Shosh and Faith trek back to Bethesda today and I'll take Ben and Maayan to the parks for some sledding and skiing. The wind was too much even for that yesterday, but they did get out and help shovel and play a bit in the drifts. I saw M making a fort. Tomorrow Lion King at night on Broadway, another tradition.
I grewup on a Dead End around the corner (Marion Terrace) and we could sled down the hill on the streets after a bad storm; build igloos and such, from which to chuck snowballs at each other. Great fun.
So on Christmas Eve I played bass with a Quartet at the Actor's Home (a nursing home for actors, musicians,stage hands etc.) in Englewood. The night before Brass Quintet Caroling for a Soup Kitchen in Plainfield. We love to see the eyes brighten and people come alive a bit when they hear familiar tunes. It's uplifting. Then after Shabbot dinner Friday I took Faith to an Episcopal Mass for Christmas Eve services. We selected a church with a Jazz Mass with T.S. Monk and his band with Willy Williams, my neighbor, sounding beautiful. The minister is very heavy and inspiring. Fine service, communion, etc. Then after gift giving Sat. am in Maplewood we went to Montclair to see all of Carol's family at Randi and Glenn's house. To eat, chat, give and receive gifts. An annual joy for all of us, but especially the children. On Sunday Carol and I celebrated our 46th Anniversary with our annual brunch with Budo, who made us candles and food. Another tradition. For the celebration we'll take the Cruise next week to the Caribbean. We need that break now. Thanks to all our relatives and friends who stay to take care of Millie. Well Happy New Year y'all. I've been celebrating performances from the past year on the DVD player. Fun. Stay healthy man.

Up Early

12.18.10 7am. Been up early, since 4:30...Coffee at 5..You tube of The Stones at 5:15 and since...Satisfaction...Meet Devil...You Can't Always Get...etc. Reading Keith's book on the new Kindle. Also Ben loaned me Ben Ratliff's book "Jazz Ears" to devour. Carol and I dig Crosswords. Getting gifts for friends, relatives, each other. "Tis the Season. The cards are going out. The gigs continue...some for pay, some for fun..some as a gift to people and the World...kids, neighbors, Vets, patients, the hungry, the masses. I love to be immersed in the music, whatever, the blues, country, chamber music, the orchestral stuff, the swing bands. It all involves the brain, the heart, the joy, the challenge, meeting all kinds of challenges from whoever/whatever you're playing, to where you're going etc. It's a great place to be. T and I talk about it all the time. We're getting ready to Cruise to the Caribbean with a Symphony Orchestra (listening/customer/traveler, not as a player this time). A getaway is necessary now. Usually it's Captiva, this year something different. Back to Captiva later. Waiting for a DVD of last weeks "Country For Kids" programs. I'll add it as soon as I get. Meantime here's a vid from last Summer. Have fun. Happy New Year. Stay healthy. Keep lovin'. Peace. Go For It. JIMBO

Lucky Music

11/12/10. Fri; 2:30 pm. I'm lucky to have the opportunities to make music. Yesterday morning Trombone 4 for the Veteran's ceremony;Last night rehearse in a Brass 5 for Sun. morning church service. Tonight a gig at shul, Congregation Beth El in South Orange, then to NJPAC to hear Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra...Latin and swing. Sunday afternoon Dvorak's G Major Symphony and others. So another weekend of making music. I'll play Bass, trombone and tuba. I also rehearsed with my Country Band this week, upright bass although sometimes I use an acoustic electric bass there.
Hasn't this been a beautiful Fall?? I hit a peak weekend for my birthday in Woodstock (Columbus Day weekend) , then down to Bethesda for Ben's birthday and it was incredibly beautiful in the DC area, and here it is still pretty with sun and colorful leaves in Maplewood mid November. I love the seasons here, even in the extremes...which this past summer was..extreme heat. And we'll have some zreo degree days and snow and Ice in a few months as well. I do feel I am slower at adjusting to the changes of temperature, especially from warm to cold, as I get older, but I still love the seasons.
We're all well here at home. Looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas to see relatives and spend time with the Grands. Symphonic Voyages in January.
Keep well, stay healthy, keep the PEACE. JIMBO
(Picture is at Sesame Place with the kids last summer).

Ben's 10th

10.31.10; 9:45 pm. Go Giants!! Celebrated Ben's 10th birthday Fri and Sat nites. Checked out the Rally sat. Thanks to all who stayed with Mom. Sat nite at Blues Alley with Ben to hear Kenny Garrett Band; hip, funky, REAL; Riv had him meet the artist and sign a CD. So Cool. Carol and I loved this weekend.
Thursday got to the Arboretum for a hike. Amazing beauty. Thursday night fine Jazz set at Churrasco. Great food as well. We had a ball.
Now for more music in November and get ready for Tksgiving..our favorite. Peace.

A Weekend of Music

Sun. Oct. 3, 2010; 5:00pm. We had a ball playing at Hat City Kitchen Friday night...JJ Blues with guest Joel Perry. Saturday am back to South Mountain Brass 5 at Wyoming Church. Sat. afternoon Trout Quintet at the Chamber Music study group. This morning Dvorak G Major Sym. and La Gazza Ladra rehearsal for Novembers concert. So....the season has begun. Tomorrow back to the Big Bands. Our family is excited to be going to Dylan's Bar Mitzvah soon. Next week I'll go to Woodstock to enjoy my Birthday Weekend. Enjoy the Fall...Keep healthy. JIM

Fall Beach Day

Wed. Sept. 22 at 5:45 pm. Just got back from the Spring Lake, NJ Beach. Warm sun, nice breeze, cooling waves; Grandma and Grandpa took a good nap in our beach chairs. Fun to watch people, kids, beauties, in the sea and sand. Delicious. Last night open mic jam on Blues etc. Tomorrow classical duets on cello. The season of music has begun...tonight NY Phil on QXR. The Yankees are in 1st place and health is returning to the team. Carol is busy with her libraries. Mom is clever as ever. Saw most of the family this week with Break Fast at Randi and Glenn's, then a cabaret with Bruce's gang, then Sunday dinner with Deb and Elfin. Tonight dinner with Cousins Billy and Marty. Then Yankees.
Gotta go. Keep healthy. Enjoy the Fall. JIM

Shonah Tova

Sat. Sept. 11, 2010. A Momentous date. Memories etc. Enjoyed services in Bethesda with the family this week. Especially the Grandchildren. The maturing, playful, loving, laughing Grandchildren. They love music, math problems with Grandma, and hugs for all. Joy. Today Kappy joined us for 2 Garden visits, one in Peapack, one in Mendham or close by. Beautiful properties, a perfect day. Then a burger and beer at The Sterling Hotel. Fine. I'd like to bring the Country Band there sometime. On Wed. before Rosh Hoshanah we played again at the Maplewood Pool for the seniors. 5th year in a row. Fun. Also 5th gig there this summer. Fun. Gary and his bride are at the Woodstock house this weekend for Levon Helms Ramble. Gotta do that soon. Soon back to our regular schedule. We're fortunate to have these opportunities. Looking into some new playing venues this season. Be healthy. Thanks for keeping up with me. JIM

MSK Update

Thursday, August 5, 2010. Well I saw Dr. Berman yesterday and got a nice report...all good numbers and a long 4 months before the next checkup...WOW...that's good news. Going back December 6th. So, Carol and I will celebrate with a nice week in Woodstock beginning Sunday. Last night I had a Jazz Sextet at the Maplewood Pool doing Hard Bop /Soulful classics. Then this Sat. we're back there with our Country band "Jimmy Lee Band" which was cancelled out due to storms last Sunday. We're having fun with that one. The JJ Blues Band is on hiatus for the rest of the summer ever since our performance at MapleWoodstock. I have 1 more Big Band gig on bass and then we're done with performances for this summer. Started rehearsing however with a Piano Trio and will in the fall be working on the Trout Quintet with 1 or 2 groups. Carol and I just got back from a dip in the Pool....helps us keep cool in this heat. My cousin Rick needs a fire in the fireplace out there in the mountains above San Francisco.
In a few weeks Maayan will be here for Grandmapa Camp. Our usual is Woodstock, Beach (at Kim and Janies Seaside Park Beach house followed by Boardwalk fun), Broadway (maybe Lion King this year), Maplewood Pool, a movie, and alot of reading with Grandma...and usually a music lesson or 2 with Grandpa. Carol then makes a scrapbook of the vacation's events as memorabilia for the kids. We really love having the Grands here for summertime fun.
Well, I'm adding a little more to my Journals and I'm hoping to share those with family and friends soon. Nothing real formal like a biography or anything, just some casual stories and ideas. Started all that on the suggestion from a High School friend. We've been enjoying such stories from my Classmates.
Well, gotta go eat. Thanks for keeping up with me. I have to write more frequently because if I don't some of my buddies start getting nervous and wonder what's going on. We're ok guys and enjoying the summer. BUT...I bet we will really welcome the cooler weather come September. Meantime, enjoy the beauty.

July 5th

Mon., 7/5/10. 9:20 pm. It's been a hot July 4th weekend here in Maplewood; the Fireworks were wonderful; music as well. My Grandson Benjamin is here, we took the train up from Bethesda after the neighborhood bicycle parade yesterday. Tomorrow brother Bruce joins us and we're off to see brother Kim in Seaside Park. The past month has been busy. The reunion was alot of fun. Checkups at the hospital are fine for both Carol and me. I'm playing Country music this Wed. at the Maplewood Pool with a band we call "Jimmy Lee Band". Then next Sunday JJ Blues plays at MapleWoodstock at 12;30. We hope to get Ben up to Woodstock for a day or 2 this week. Then Sarah's wedding Sat. Mon. back to Bethesda. That's it for now. Keep healthy. I'm hungry, I need a snack!! : )

Busy Weekend

Fri, June 4th, 2010. My Columbia HS 50th Reunion Weekend. Tonight my band JJ Blues tears it open at Hat City Kitchen, 10-12 midnight. Then Sat am breakfast with classmates; then 2:30 setup for the party and tuneup the band of classmates with a couple of guests; then 7-12 party; Sunday 11 am big brunch at a classmates place; then 3:30 rehearsal and 7 pm Concert at SOPAC honoring Cantor Perry Fine's 18 years at Beth El South Orange. So fortunately the back and everything is cooperating and we're looking forward to it all. Have a great weekend, talk to you next week. JIMBO

Memorial Day Weekend

Thurs., May 27.2010. 7 am. We're off to Woodstock for the weekend. I think this is our 31st year up there. Yesterday we checked out the amazing Iris Gardens in Montclair. I see Fleet week has begun...so cool. Lotsa good music happening around, I'll miss some good sounds here this weekend, but usually we get some great artists up in the mountains as well. I didn't go see Neil Young in Albany last week..the tix were $150 so I bypassed that one. I need a bit of a break from the routine right now. Been doing alot of rehearsals and concerts, and more to come in the next 2 weeks, so I'm happy to get a bit of a break. Just finished the book about Bob Dylan and his girlfriend from the early 60s in Greenwich Village, Suze. Called "Freewheelin' Time". Very good history, mentions lotsas artists, musicians, poets, etc. from that era, which I remember with awe. Similarly I spent time recently with Patti Smith's book about her time with Robert Mapplethorpe as piss poor artists in the Village then Chelsea. I had a chance to hang with that scene, I had high school friends inviting me to play bass at the Washington Square Park Arch etc. on Sundays. We were doing the folk music out here, and the Sane Nuclear Policy meetings etc. but I somehow chickened out and instead went to college, got a degree, got married, opened a business and played music in the Borscht belt and the city. That's ok, the best thing that ever happened to me was meeting Carol. She and I talked about it yesterday because she wanted to go to Douglas or Rutgers and had that happened we would not have met. Soo..it's a good thing it all worked out this way. So my Woodstock place is my little artists refuge, and CB and I are more comfortable as it is now then had we been struggling other ways. BUT...I still love reading about the artists, musicians, poets of the times. Both Suze and Patti Smith spent time with Rimbaud. I have to check that out. Last week I spent time with Dick Kniss who was there in the Village then with all these folks...Mingus, Peter Yarrow and PPM, Albert Grossman, Bob Dylan etc. I'll see him tomorrow and find out if he knew Suze. That Freewheelin' album cover is also the book cover..it's a classic and she refers (pardon the expression..reefers??) to it. Gotta go. Enjoy the start of Summer. Celebrate your good health. Find peace. I just wish Memorial Day could be free from another war. It seems we never have total Peace. JIMBO

Space

Wed., May 19, 2010. 8:30 pm during the Yankees/Rays game. Ouch!! Just got back from taking some space up in Woodstock. Carol and I enjoyed a good day Mon there, then she worked Tues so I hungout there a couple of days. Digging the vibe. Reading, playing, building. My 30 plus year "This Old House" project. Met some new people, neighbors, musicians, and spoke to dear friends. Going back up for Memorial Day weekend. Love it. Working with my new 6 string bass to get a feel for that. Trying to do new things. Played basses, cello and Tubas in some duos Sun at Mayfest. Fun. Working toward 50th HS reunion in a few weeks. Looking forward. We're trying to keep healthy as well, but too busy, which is why I took off for the Woodstock house. A little space. Thinking about all my dear friends dealing with diagnosis and other issues....Sophie..Dick...John...Di....Barbara...Tricia..Peter.....Love you all and you know I'm on your side. Keep positive. JIMBO

Numbers and Family

Thurs. April 29, 2010. 10:30 pm. Went to Dr. Berman's clinic yesterday and all numbers are looking great. Yahoo!! Tonight we had dinner with Brother Bruce and his Grandchildren Ramy and Rasy. Beautiful kids. They recently got back from Disney. Family man!! While I'm talking to Bruce, Kim calls. He had called Bruce and he didn't answer so he calls me and I hand Bruce the phone, "it's for you...." . Family.....And today we called BJ Garthwaite to wish her Happy Birthday.....Family. Brenda came to have dinner with Mom tonight as she does consistently on Thursday nights. Fun. Family... I visited with my friend John today at the hospice. Things are challenging but the man has inspiring spirit, intellect, and grace. Bless him.
Speaking of inspiring minds/people I saw DiMo (Diane Moser) at the Jazz Collective gig tonight. She looks great and I can't wait to have breakfast soon with her to continue the conversation and learning.
We have a Spring too busy with gigs. Had to turn down a bunch. The Woodstock house is ready and we can't wait to get there. Memorial Day weekend for sure if not before. Got my artwork back from the hospital yesterday. Nice to see it again.
Enjoy the flowers a blooming guys. We went to an amazing open garden Saturday with Eric and Joanne. We'll go to more as the year progresses...we love the Gardens all over.
See ya soon. JIMBO

Annual Art Show

April 10, 2010. 1:40 pm. Dropped off 4 pieces for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Patients Art Show opening April 19th for 4 days. 2 pieces are acrylics from 1988 (Bass theme) and 1 "Stravinsky" wood collage from 1967, and one wood collage (another Bridges piece) from 2010. Thursday was 90 degrees here. I spent the day in the Woodstock house. Looking great. We'll get the water on etc. in late April. Friday went to Stokes Forest and toured campsites, lake, streams and views from my childhood: Lake Ocquitunk, Big FlatBrook, Sunrise Mountain etc. I was going to camp and fish for the weekend with Troop 5 alumni but I had a problem with dust and cold in some cabins so I came home to recuperate. We're ok but not in shape to camp now. Taking time to listen today to wonderful music; then checkout a few athletic events on TV. Maybe get to a garden or 2 this weekend to see the blossoms and flowers. Enjoy the spring. Thanks for keeping up with us. We had some wonderful family times throughout the holidays. KEEP HEALTHY. Jimbo.

March Winds

Tues. March 16th, 2010. 4 am. I'm up thinking about things. My 50th Columbia High School Reunion is approaching in early June. Looking forward to seeing old friends, and think about lost friends. We had some severe storms with flooding and downed trees here in the NorthEast. A few rehearsals and meetings etc. were cancelled. A week ago Saturday, on March 6th our Blues Band, JJ Blues played at Hat City Kitchen in Orange, a rebuilt place (formerly Ricci's in the Valley). We tore it up man. The big crowd loved our band...the energy, the sound, the soulful sounds. Hope to go back in April. Thanks for coming out to hear us guys. Then on the next Monday I got a call that Music 4 Kids, I program/concert series I created 10 years ago needed a program for Saturday. Something happened to the original artists, so I put together our Jazz Band with some of our Blues Band and quickly created a "Jazz and Blues Connection" program. We did 2 shows with no rehearsals, just play the music. Big hit, both shows. Fun too. My favorite part was having my 10 year old neighbor Liah (a Seth Boyden School kid) sing "O Pato" (the Duck) with us in Portuguese, a Bossa Nova tune....her Dad's a fine Brazilian Tenor Man. Liah had sold me my Girl Scout Cookies this year. I still love those mints. Then on Sunday at 8:30 am I get a call that our Symphony Conductor was stuck at a hospital and could not conduct our rehearsal at 9:30. I swung by and picked up his scores, and conducted a 2 1/2 hour rehearsal. Fortunately I knew most of the tunes pretty well since I had been coming to rehearsals (Mozart's Magic Flute Overture, Symphony #40, and Bach Double Violin Concerto, and Bizet's Carmen Suite #1). It went well, everyone cooperated, but I was beat up. Couldn't do anything else but rest Sunday. (That concert is next Sunday and I hope brother Bruce can come hear it.)
Carol at the same time had a problem with the Prius and had to get towed back home, so she missed the Women's Seder at Rebekah's Synagogue (Temple Beth El where my Son in Law Greg is the Rabbi). Carol is disappointed to miss seeing the Grandkids but I'm very happy she got off the NJ Turnpike safely. That's a brutal place to be stuck. She was about 100 miles from home when it happened. Ouch!! It seems a pump on the Prius went bad. It'll be an expensive repair I'm afraid. I had to cancel my trip to Fla. for next week. Different things didn't workout schedule wise. We have to get ready for our Seders etc. So, no Spring Training this year. Next year we hope to go earlier in the season. I miss going to see Kim and Jane, but look forward to seeing them at the Beach soon. Speaking of summer approaching, the rest of this week will be highs in the 60s. I'm getting ready in my bones to get back to Woodstock. Can't wait. So everybody....Peace and good health to you all. Since I last wrote 2 more musicians are dealing with medical issues, and 2 young friends as well. My prayers go out to all for an immediate healing. Keep positive. It helps. JIMBO

A OK

Thurs. Feb 25th, 2010. 2 pm. Yesterday we drove into the city. Dr. Berman says my numbers are all good. See ya in April Doc!! Then we visited the 12th floor to hug my nurse Catriona and our Social Worker (ie good friend) Donna. Just a brief visit, but so important. On our way home we swung by 48th street to pickup tix for "A View From The Bridge". EZ. By the time we got home we were exhausted. It always seems to be draining for us to make the trips to the hospital. I bet it's the emotions of it all more than the physical energy it takes. We read about Cancer research and successes and losses in the NY Times and in the MSKCC Newsletter. Very interesting stuff. My friend Diane Moser has shared on her blog several interesting articles, writings etc. etc. as well. I don't feel like thanking Cancer for enriching my life, that would be too weird for me, but I have to say it changed a few things for sure. I have a different perspective shall we say. I enjoy space. I guess my life is more intimately important at this stage. I do enjoy alot, I'm not dark. But I stay closer to myself now. Does that make any sense?? Oh well, I'm thinking on my feet here, rambling sort of. hah!! : ) That means I'll close out here and catch up soon again. Enjoy the beautiful snow. The time to listen, dream, think, smell, love, and meditate. PEACE. JIM

Woodstock in Winter

Fri., Feb 19th, 8 pm. Just got back from a quick trip up to the Woodstock House. NO SNOW. They have less than we have in Maplewood. That's a surprise. In any case, things still look refreshingly beautiful, especially the Reservoir. Had a good meal at Joshuas. Now for 3 rehearsals tomorrow and more interesting music stuff. Wed. over to MSK for a checkup. All feels ok. JIMBO

Happy Valentines Day

2/13/10 6:00 pm. Enjoy this winter weekend with your lover. We're enjoying beautiful snow; walking, watching the birds, photo shooting as well. Just came from a JJ Blues Band Rehearsal and I hope you can come hear us play March 6th at Hat City Kitchen in Orange, NJ. We play 10 pm and 12 midnight, but the music starts at 9 pm, and the dinners are great. Carol and I ate there last night. Here's a picture of the band at MapleWoodstock 2 years ago.
I continue to talk to dear friends calling about diagnoses. I remember the support from so many of you when I rec'd a diagnosis. It is so important to talk positively about healing. There are many opportunities to get well, and being positive certainly helps the entire process. My prayers and support go out to those in need.
And so I keep playing music to try to bring joy, positive energy, and glorious sounds to my friends and beyond.
Love to all this Valentine's Day. Peace and good health. JIMBO

HH New Year

Wed. Jan 20th, 4 pm. Happy and Healthy New Year guys. We had a great holiday season with the Grands. All of our numbers are good. Then off to Captiva for a COLD week. Yikes, warmer that NJ for sure, but a different feel for Florida. On our way home we rec'd a tragic phone call that my sister in law Judy had passed away. She had dealt with diabetes all her life and things were getting very challenging in the past year. Indeed since the summer we had been very concerned. The memorial service was a very special, beautiful tribute. It is very difficult to get my head around this.
I'm working at cello/string 4 stuff. Blues Band as well. Fun. Sunday is Carol's Bday, and next Fri is Boo's Bday. Hope to go see her and the kids.
Fri. night.
It's been an awful week feeling the pain in Haiti. In addition to losing my sister in law we lost my friend Bob Ayers this week. 3 weeks ago I lost my buddy Steve Christen after another bout with AML. So, as you can imagine I'm very emotional listening to the powerful musical performances on "hopeforhaiti" tonight. But I keep truckin' to gigs and rehearsals doing what I can for the world with our music and work. I do love all these expressions of music. QXR. You Tubes. TV. DVDs. CDs. The power of a phrase in music. We're still at it. Yesterday am Trombone 4. Brass 5 and Blues Band tomorrow. Jazz Nonet in a Vets hospital today. Sunday am Symphony. Mon. am Big Band. etc. Using our voices best we can.