Russ, Nigel...I share your sense of loss. In fact, this topic has given me pause.

When I first moved to Florida I was 23. It took awhile to get into the local music circle, but I began playing with a lot of really good, musicians, most of whom where in their 40s. It was fun and a fantastic learning experience.

The music business has changed dramatically since then. The saddest part of it all has been seeing so many of my older music buddies and mentors go into declining health and pass away. I am very proud to have known and played with them.

Their names pop up from time to time among some of the people who attend places I play. While the majority of the younger audiences I entertain have no knowledge of these older players, it is heartwarming to hear some of the old timers reflect back on how fondly they remember these men and their music.

Eddie