Rest In Peace, Dave Brubeck

I'm sad to hear of the passing of one of my heroes, the legendary Dave Brubeck. In recent years, when he'd play at the Blue Note but was too frail to walk up the stairs to use the dressing room before he'd play, he'd sit in the passenger's seat of a car that was parked a few doors down from the club until it was time for him to go on. Over the past few years I was very fortunate to have had a few wonderful conversations with him out there. He was always so kind, encouraging and full of enthusiasm. And while it was obvious that he was in pain, he'd always walk into the club with a huge smile on his face, waving and greeting everyone as he walked into the club and on to the stage. He was a huge inspiration to me in so many ways. Above all, keep smiling!