The (Worst Ever?) Year in Review

Approaching the end of another year. And not a freaking moment too soon, if you ask me. There were some amazing highs and lows, but it seems likely that one particular event will forever overshadow everything else that happened this year. But let’s go in order, shall we?

Diana’s birthday at the Knicks-Nets game at MSG. Knicks of course lost because Eddie Curry missed like a million free throws. In fact, I think his line from the charity stripe was like 1-1,000,001.

CT gig with Braden, Eric Lemon and GC, Jr.

Jazz wedding (nice bread).

Stomp!!! Almost missed it because I didn’t pay attention to the ticket. Cut short our dinner at Zen Palate.

Mardi Gras at Virgil’s with RivProj.

GC, Jr. heads Down Under.

Jesse’s first NYC gig.

NDHS reunion – good job Steve!

Trio Beyond at Blue Note.

Recording at Chez Banfitch.

Summer of demos – w/Lance, and Sliced Bread.

Install recording studio at CSI.

The BIG Lancaster weekend! The absolute highlight of the year. So much love. A wonderful reminder of how lucky I am. I love you guys dearly.

GC, Sr. at Smoke. Smokin'!!

Remixing Donna’s CD.

Two weeks at the Monte Square. Without a doubt, the worst two weeks of my life. Not without some bright spots. Nice to spend so much time with the kids, and great to know Katie, Ed, Mike McD, Jill, Kurt and Jeannie, Joe P. Mjolnir and “Snakes and Arrows” got me through. Friday, November 16, the verdict. Now, trying to get back to normal. Good luck with all THAT!

Diana’s school trip on her own!

Sliced Bread starting to hit its stride.

Project 19 rehearsals peel away 20+ years in a flash.

Another friend with medical worries. This is getting old. I want my friends HEALTHY, DAMMIT!

Listening – RUSH, esp. “Snakes and Arrows”, but old stuff, too. Ornette at the Hillcrest. New Sco (Trio Beyond and This Meets That), posthumous Brecker, Chris Potter’s Red Line. Jimmy Raney "Live at Bradley's", Herbie Nichols, Booker Little (whoa! hot damn!), Wes Montgomery alternate takes. Trio of Doom (finally got to hear this, and the live stuff lived up to my expectations).

Reading – Emerson and Thoreau bios. Tree-hug THIS. Superhero novels. I like it when the good guys win.

Thinking – nothing special. Survival. How to continue. Time for a change, no?

Happy New Year. Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear.