dolce friendship in nyc/may 2009

Somehow, I always feel compelled to share and write about meaningful experiences. This time is no exception.

Last night @ 5:00pm I met up with a friend whom I have known since my very first day of college. We met in the lobby of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at Catholic University in Washington, DC. From the first words we shared, which were absolutely about our love of music, Leslie and I shared a connection and instant friendship which has continued to ripen like finest of wines.

Since that first connection moment, Leslie and I have shared times from the tops of our game to the depths of our soul. Each unique moment has always been nothing less than meaningful and we never stopped loving the important place music held in our lives.

Last night at Birdland Jazz Club in NYC was another great example of how lucky we are to share a friendship like this one. 2 and a half hours of mostly original Big Band Jazz Arrangements and an amazing rendition of Thad Jones "A child is Born" had us in total musical and friendship bliss! We watched and listened with complete admiration and appreciation for the talent blessed on so many human beings. We then walked a short distance to see the Broadway production of Hair in which Leslie's husband Phil played on stage. (TRUMPET) What struck me about this production was the seamless and flawless effect it took on from the moment the curtain went up. Artistically and technically this show was perfection.

The greatest gift handed from deep within to all musicians is selflessness. Being a musician reminds me of how important and great it is to give and share of oneself for the pure enjoyment of another. It is a gift Leslie has always shared with me. This musical gift is a gemstone that can serve as reminder when we as artists allow the quiet tumultuous angst ridden passion to get the better of our insecurities.

It is a hopeful blessing to love, experience and perform music. It moves us forward when the past simply won't let go. My friendship with Leslie has never given me anything less than hope. It has been a musical journey of love, excitement and at times tears. There has never been one moment in all of our friendship where I have stopped loving the beauty of music in my life. Equally, I have always loved the beautiful friend I met more than 20 years ago.

I can't wait to HEAR what's next in store!