Reply #46: Believe me, I know it. [View All]

[immoderate]

Dorothy, among the greatest and most overlooked, used to call me up on stage because she knew I was a hoofer. Sun Ra played at Squat Theater, which was across the street from me. Sometimes he would do a two week gig there. And I would go every night.

Never saw Ella live or Lester (or the Art Ensemble) but I saw Carmen at a strange gig. I was an audience extra at a tribute to Monk TV taping. Carmen sang "Straight, No Chaser" (yes, there are words) and was having a tough time, many takes. Dizzy took her aside for a pep talk, and she came back and nailed it. The strangest part was tapper Bunny Briggs dancing to "Evidence."(!?)

Living in New York, and being into the music scene since I was a child gave me some grand opportunities. Now I brag.

--IMM