Sometimes I'm asked about my projects and why I have so many people. There is no doubt that if I had one working group for these projects, things most likely would be tighter and maybe some day I will do that on a project (it would be much cheaper lol) but I love people and God has given me so many beautiful relationships and one of the common threads is music hence why I try and involve so many people. Matter of fact, I feel guilty for so many that I didn't ask but only so many tunes will fit on a particular release. Ha! So thankful for all that have contributed so far and that will in the coming days. I really want this to reflect God's goodness and love to people in addition to honoring Talia. Praying for the Spirit to bless this project! Looking forward to sharing it all with you. 

It's been interesting what has hit me hard during this season and what hasn't. I think the typical things for most people with loss haven't hit me as hard. I really don't like to have much to do about my birthday for the mere reason I don't like to be the center of attention. Talia always tried to make my birthday special. Last year was hard because we were nearing the end and we were in hospice. When I told her she just kind of said "It's your birthday today?" but I don't know if her brain was really able to process any more than that much at that point. I wasn't sad because of anything I was missing from her like a gift but I felt bad for her that I know she would have done something had she been able to. So this year it was kind of a reminder of that and I was pretty down and for sure didn't feel like celebrating. My Sister Michelle came down and we went for a walk and out to eat which was so nice. I think I had 265 greetings on Facebook and texts, calls, and e-mails all reassuring me for the millionth time that I'm the most loved person on earth. So grateful! At night I went to hear to friends and heroes Wycliffe Gordon and Herlin Riley and had the pleasure of hearing Doreen Ketchens for the first time. Saw my friends the Chryslers and Matt and Patty George who came down to catch up seeing as I was kind of trapped in my row! LOL There are so many birthday's of friends right around this time, My student Jacob, My late Aunt Barb, my friends Grimaldo Robles, Eric Thorne, Chrissi Smith, joey Kibble, Craig York, Sean Jones, Wycliffe Gordon, Randy Napoleon and his son Jack, Christian McBride, and my bro in law Mike T. whew. The one I left off I had breakfast with my dear friend Randy Gelispie. On Monday, I had a rehearsal at Lisa Sung's house and she made me a feast brining me back to Indonesia!! Had dinner with Pops following that. Last picture is I had gone with my friend Marcus Printup to a car wash and we were talking about how it was kind of fun so I jumped at the opportunity to do it when I got home. 

Session 2 God put together! At the very last minute I checked with my dear friend Todd Williams to see if he would be willing to play on a track. When he said yes, I had to quick assemble the band and find a studio. All of it worked out in about 24 hours! So thankful for everyone involved and a good time was had by all! Afterwards, I went out to eat with Todd and my friend Cullen. Great food and fellowship! Some of the photo credits go to Kaylie Dibrowa!

It was fun to have one of my drum heroes stop by the house today. I brought back some memories for him with my cherrywood Gretsch kit. His early kit is in the MIM in PHX. It was Quite the week seeing all my drum heroes. Hammer at the festival and Dizzys, Lewis in town, Carl Allen called me, I talked with my Drum Dad Tim Froncek, will see Herlin Riley on Saturday and breakfast with Uncle G on Sunday. The drum family has been so supportive of me especially through this last year. I am indeed blessed!

It's been a pretty sentimental time lately. Been thinking about and missing Talia alot. Lot of similar events around this time last year and working on my next CD which a tribute to her. Had my first session for the CD in NYC and there was a lot of love shown to me and my heart was full from such generosity of time and talent. It will be a very special project. So thankful to be able to fellowship with my brother and sister Marcus and Riza for a minute and thank you for your hospitality. Always inspiring to hear and see the great Jeff Hamilton Trio! Mia was very happy to see me and wants to thank Steve for once again showing so much love to her! Then had rehearsal at West Ottawa this morning and then breakfast with sister Chandy and then visited Talia's Heaven Portal and put a beautiful flower arrangement up that Chandy made! 

The festival was done but the kids didn't fly out until later so a day of sight seeing in NYC

Another day of great music and fellowship! Last photos Frank Stewart photos!

Today was our performance day. Kids did great. Then it was Marc's Birthday. Had a great meal. Last picture of Kenny Rampton and I by Megan Soukup. Oh, I included the picture of me because I forgot all my ties, so Marc let me borrow his which was from his dad! 

The weather this year was about as perfect as you can get. This is one of my favorite days because Wynton does his Q & A and it's always inspiring despite getting the same question a lot every year and multiple times in multiple ways usually revolving around either how can you move the music forward when only studying the past or finding your own voice! LOL Wynton is so good at this stuff. Fun time in Central Park. We had a great time with our mentor Paul Nedzela. The biggest reason I love this day is it is like an incredible family reunion. I know kids and directors from different schools, my J@LC family, Hammer, etc... I love the fellowship and this is the day with no competition. Love it!!!

Well, as always, I did an all nighter. I never can seem to get everything done before I have to leave. I sat on the wrong side of the plane to see the city coming in. The new LGA is nice! Saw some of the guys coming out of rehearsals. Spring was in full bloom and a beautiful sunset! 

One of the fun coincidences is that Essentially Ellington for the most part coincides with Marc's Birthday. I'm so glad Marc gets to be on stage at Jazz at Lincoln Center on his birthday. Thought I'd take a little trip through past EE's celebrating my Brother Marc! Happy Birthday Bro! Thank you for everything! Gonna be a fun day! 

Today marks 11 months missing my wife. It's been quite the journey. Sorrow felt to depths I didn't know existed, but also being able to remember times that made me laugh. I think this last month may be the hardest because there are so many events that are happening that were happening last year at this time. 1 month from today a year ago little did I know would be the last month I had with Talia. I leave for NYC today like I did last year. Last year was a much harder decision to go. Talia wanted me to and Talia stayed at the Hospice facility while I was gone (little did we know she would be going right back.) Things were going so well until the last day, and then I came home to a much different person. The tumor on the brain had moved on the day I was coming back home (which I didn't know until the doctor explained to me what was going on) I think this last month is going to be hard because I watched the decline happen pretty fast in this last month. We had many challenges before this and I was very tired and would continue to be, but this last month really was the beginning of the end. 

There have been so many hard times in this past year but it's always for me the stuff you don't see coming. I got 2 biggies out of the way early. Our anniversary was only a few weeks after she transitioned and her birthday was only a few weeks after that. As far as holidays, she didn't go to too many of those so those haven't been as bad. It's the coming home and not having her here and just little things. 

One of those things hit me and didn't see it coming. I just got back from Washington D.C. and had visited one of the Smithsonian Museums. Talia liked to live through my journeys and then she could stay home and not be with a lot of people being the introvert she was. She had a magnet collection so whenever I'd go somewhere, I'd get her one or FaceTime her and let her pick out what she liked. Despite being on a lot of trips since she passed, I guess I was never in a gift shop or something so it didn't occur to me, but I did want to get a book from the museum so I stopped in and there they were. I had to keep it together but it hit me out of nowhere. I've adapted to most things (grocery stores are not very fun either but getting used to it) so I ended up buying some magnets. Seems silly in hindsight but I couldn't let that tradition go quite yet. 

I start my first recording session for her tribute CD I'm doing in a few days. It will be an emotional journey for me but something I've wanted to do for her. 

Thank you for all the love I continue to receive from so many! 
God Bless!

This is still a little surreal to me 9 years later. It was so kind of the Jazz Society to go above and beyond to make my award so special. Still have so much gratitude! A very fun day! 

The first time I ever heard of the Blues Alley was when Wynton Marsalis recorded his album there. It's been one of the great jazz clubs in the US. This was the first time I've seen a concert there and went to hear my hero, friend, and mentor Mr. Jon Faddis, one of the greatest trumpet players to ever live. Little did I know I'd be playing. I didn't bring my horn but I almost always carry my mouthpiece with me, which was a bit of a problem with TSA this time, but Jon invited me up to play West End Blues, a song that has a bond between us, because he made me learn it while staying at his house one time, and he had to help me because he said he didn't want a roommate for life! LOL Jon let me use his horn (which I have ordered the same one and they are currently making it for me) and it's always interesting if I will be able to play this cold with no warm up or anything. Sometimes it goes ok, and sometimes well, can we do a take 2? LOL It's always an honor to be asked and surreal really that I have this opportunity. I never take it for granted and all the cats in the band are always so encouraging and nice to me. Thank you Jon for everything over the years. Owe you so much! And thank you to Laurelyn for the gift commemorating the time I got to share the stage with my hero at this famed jazz club! Thank you Liz for helping to document the occasion. I am indeed blessed!

I was so honored to be asked back to my Alma Mater and be the guest artist with the Northview Jazz Ensemble. I had a fun time with the kids, my quartet learned all the music I picked, met this gentlemen who saw Louis Armstrong in 1962 in Utah, family and friends came out to support, and had fun reminiscing about the past and tried to honor everyone that has played a part in my career. 

It was so great to have my friend Kenny Rampton as the guest artist for Cool Jazz this year at Byron Center. We gained so much from his insight and playing. It's always a special time. 

Well despite the fight breaking out while we were playing I had a great time playing with Pat Cronley and cast. Thankful for opportunities to play drums and cymbals and thankful for the blessing of the help that I've had with my gear! Fun night!

Bucket list check off item! I have tried so many times to see these. I have driven for many hours in the night to no avail. I saw there was a good chance to see them but there was a lot of cloud cover so I wasn't too optimistic. So I drove North for about 40 minutes and saw nothing. So I turned around and head back South for home. I said let me try one more time, so I turned around and drove for about 5 minutes then headed East down a country road with a lot of farm land. I drove for about 10 minutes and didn't see anything but it was a clear sky so I decided to take a picture of the stars. When I looked at the picture it looked green. Then I took a video and the sky was kind of doing what I've seen videos of but I couldn't really see anything with my actual eyes. Then I saw a falling star which I always hope to. As I stayed a bit longer, I could start seeing them with my eyes. Not really the moving part but the green color. Then all the sudden it was going nuts. It was so cool. I had heard animals making noises in the field close by which was wigging me out but the bucket list item was happening so I stayed put and hoped it wasn't a skunk or something. LOL The pictures came out better than what I was seeing but the video isn't close as to what was happening. No matter what, once again I just marvel at God and His creation and was thankful He allowed me the opportunity to see this in my lifetime! 

Had two great times of fellowship with incredible people this week. First, David Sung. David is so inspirational to me. David shared about his past loss with me. He is a shining example that you can get through stuff even though it may take a minute. I won't share details but I have so much respect for him and am thankful for his friendship and encouragement. Then I met up with Dave and Sue Anderson. Sue was one of many angels that took such loving care of Talia. Was so blessed to be able to meet up with Dave and Sue and will always be indebted to her for such amazing love she showed Talia and I during our stay in Hospice. 

We lost a giant of jazz today. I met Ahmad through Herlin Riley. Herlin had me fill an iPod for him which was fun. Thank you for all the amazing music!