I had the pleasure to have developed a personal relationship with Mr. Basie after this initial meeting. Just to have him remember me by name was flattering enough. He was always supportive of my big band aspirations and helped nurture the beginning seeds in my mind. My one regret is that I never got to swing personally for Mr. Basie. The 2004 album "Settin' the Pace," in which the band and I collaborated with famed Basie sideman/arranger Frank Foster was a direct homage to Mr. Basie.

Mr. Basie shared with me so many pearls of wisdom - the funny thing is none of them were music-related! All about family and preservance. Treat others the way you want to be treated....period. Watching him commanding the respect and love of all his musicians (i.e. FAMILY) made me understood what is always so special about a group of musicians (…… 查看更多artist) with a common goal and direction. He can "command" because he "deserves." I'd like to think I am doing Mr. Basie's legacy proper, but I still have so much more to go.....