Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season full of joy and good company. I definitely can't complain. So happy to be here in VA with the family, and so thankful for all the great experiences I've had this year. And, it really has been a great year. This past week was no exception. Boy oh boy, what a week! As you know, over the past 8 years, I've been blessed with the opportunity to study from and get to know Clark Terry, a true jazz legend. CT has an absolutely beautiful soul, and I cherish every time I get to go down to Arkansas to hang with him. This past weekend, I, along with many others, helped CT celebrate his 92nd birthday. CT was feisty as ever, despite everything he's been going through, and I couldn't be happier to be there with him.
If that wasn't excitement enough, before flying out to Arkansas, I spent a few days in L.A. meeting up with Clark's first student, Quincy Jones. When Quincy was 13 years old, he bugged Clark to give him lessons when Clark was in town performing with Count Basie. Ever since then, they've remained very close friends. I met up with Quincy to discuss some possible performing opportunities in the future, which I'll be happy to share with you as they approach. The thing I enjoyed most about this trip was sitting down with Q and talking about our shared love and respect for Clark. I can't even describe how it felt to be in the company of such great musicians, all in one week.
And now, I'm back home and happy to get back to work! If you're in VA Beach, and looking for something to do this weekend, I'm back at Havana Nights Thursday through Saturday with the trio. I know we're going to have a real good time, and you better believe some Christmas tunes will be thrown in the mix. So, if you're out doing some last minute shopping, and want to take a load off with some good music and great company, come hang with me, Billy Williams, and Romeir Mendez. We'll hook you right up.
That about does it for me. If I don't see you this weekend (Dec. 20, 21, 22), have a wonderful and blessed holiday season, and look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Peace!