Jon Faddis @ 70 - Dizzy's

The main purpose of the trip out was to celebrate my mentor and hero Mr. Jon Faddis turning 70. Jon sounded amazing as always along with his group. He once again played the Gillespiana Suite which is one of my favorites and I never get tired of hearing him play it. As he always does, he invited me up to play West End Blues, Although, I never get it perfect, I normally do ok. Not this time. I don't know what happened, maybe too tired, but I really messed it up. Making mistakes I never make. Of course in any setting it's embarrassing but with your hero and amazing band it was even more humbling. I'm still honored for the invite and felt bad I didn't represent his investment in me better but hopefully there will be another time. It was also nice to visit quick with Laurelyn on my way out. Walking back to my hotel who do I see sitting outside at this club but former MSU student Joel Perez. So I listened to a set with the amazing band he played with and all of them couldn't have been nicer and the owner was so kind also!