Winter, 1999 Thoughts and Things The CDs Late summer and early fall were quite intense with both recordings and concert performances.  I completed the duo CD with pianist Bill Mays and then recorded the quartet CD with co-leader/drummer Ed Soph, Bill Mays and bassist Rufus Reid; guest artist saxophonist Dave Liebman was featured on three tunes. Then Bill and I performed several concerts in various configurations that included, besides the above, saxophonist Bill Evans, bassist Jay Anderson and drummers Dennis Mackrel and Ron Vincent. I can't say enough about the great musicality, creativity, sympatico and humor of Ed, Bill and Rufus!  The feelings engendered in the music we recorded ran so deep, and so much was shared by all, everyone felt fulfilled!  It was truly beautiful to be with these people and to share something so special. And, then at the end, entered Dave Liebman, who creates an energy and creative excitement all his own! It was really the perfect way to bring the project to completion. I will keep everyone updated on the release progress of these two projects and of the duo CD with Texas pianist Joe LoCascio. Education First, I would like to thank those who have e-mailed me regarding my article on education in the last Cadenzas. It seems that many readers felt moved to let me know how strongly they agree with my feelings. This is unfortunate, for it tells me that my views are prevalent, that the plight of education is not good, and that many of our teachers are not able to serve the functions that they, and we, all believe teaching should serve.  Many of these teachers feel that this state of affairs is not why they entered into the field of education. They are being prevented from fulfilling their calling and desire to be a meaningful resource to their students. Many of the true teachers are being driven from a profession that they love, one that is increasingly ruled by bureaucrats  and "climbers" who are concerned principally with their own ascent up the political ladder, without regard for either those who truly want to TEACH or their students who truly want to LEARN! Recordings/The Biz Since I recently completed the recording of three new CDs that are in the process of being mastered for presentation to record labels, thoughts of this industry are foremost in my mind.  One can read or participate in a quite graphic and continuous dialogue regarding this industry by checking out the web site Bird Lives. This site is that of a highly respected Jazz writer, and other writers with varying points of view contribute to the discussion. It's extremely interesting and enlightening! I received an e-mail from Ken Dryden, a personality on WUTC-FM in Chattanooga, who just celebrated his 11th anniversary in Jazz radio.  In addition, he has been reviewing Jazz for nearly 11 years, writes for theChattanooga Free Press and contributes to the All Music Guide To Jazz. He writes, "I've agreed with a lot of what you've said about this crazy industry. It sure seems there's much ado about nothing when you see all the major labels signing kids who've never or barely served as a sidemanand have little clue about composing, improvising or putting a meaningful live set or record date together. It's not surprising that many of these guys are dropped after a CD or two." This letter exemplifies the thoughts of many who feel disenfranchised by this industry that seems so willing to look for a "star," as long as he/she is young and fits "the image," regardless of the new artist's concern for the substance of the music!  Understanding this, one realizes that the recording industry is not really interested in trying to support and market the art form, but is concerned solely with maximizing profits. If a young artist can help them do that, fine!  But, if a new artist doesn't prove to be a financial gold mine, the industry has no hesitation in dropping him/her, nor is there any concern for his/her future. Of course, every business has to support itself, but the manner in which it is done is certainly revealing! If the industry can market and sell "pap," can't it also direct its energies toward selling music of value? While recognizing the talents and abilites of many of the younger players (many of whom I and others have helped through our efforts in education), many of us feel that the industry fails to see the value of musicians like Frank Foster, Ron Carter, Jerry Dodgion, and others whose names should have been brought to the forefront long ago based on their creative abilities. Fortunately, some great players like Joe Lovano, Tim Hagans, Joe Henderson, Eddie Daniels and Steve Wilson recently have been getting their just due. Maybe, just maybe, changes are in the wind. Books & Writings I just finished reading Gene Lees' Waiting For Dizzy. If any of you are not familiar with Gene's writings, I urge you to become so. Others of his books are Meet Me At Jim and Andy's, Cats of any Color and Leader of the Band, a biography of Woody Herman.  Gene also writes the acclaimed monthly publication Jazzletter. Gene's writing encompasses many eras and includes many historic personalities of Jazz, not just what is happening today.  He has a marvelous way of recreating the feelings of those wonderful times and of making you feel as if you were actually there and knew the people about whom he writes.  If you enjoy classic jazz, I feel you will enjoy his books and Newsletter, for they offer much insight into this music. And while I am mentioning it, don't miss the two books by bassist Bill Crow, Jazz Anecdotes and From Birdland To Broadway. Very insightful writing filled with the humor of Jazz musicians.

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