Thanks so much, guys. Mike was 60 years old. Sadly, he went the way of all too many jazz musicians...frustrated at the decrease in the amount of work...alcohol...financial and personal problems. We stood by helplessly...tried everything we could to straighten him out. He was so "out of it" last year, he was barred from his own mother's funeral. He died a bitter, broken man. What a waste.

Years ago in Los Angeles, Ray Brown took me around the circuit to see many of the jazz greats. Like Mike, many were bitter and lost, even though they were giants in their field. I was too green to fully understand
their talent, but pitied them for where they were in life. Ray said "listen, but NEVER be like them". You would recognize most of the names, but listing them would be disrespectful, and most students of jazz know who they are anyway.

Much has been written about why this happens.
I only know how important it is to pass on the innovation and creativity and to do everything possible to help young talent avoid the terrible pitfalls.

In appreciation...


russ