So Nice in Nice

[Chick writes from Nice, where John McLaughlin sat in with the Freedom Band.] It was a blast playing with John again – – it was like the Four Peace Freedom Band with Roy Haynes on drums! We jammed on “Someday My Price Will Come” and “Matrix” – – and then did some Rap Jamming for an encore – – that …

Lots of Fun with Al Jarreau in Marseille

[Chick writes from Marseille, France, where he and Al Jarreau took the stage for an impromptu duet.] Al is such a sweet hearted man. I love his rapport with the audience. He loves them and they love him – – his band is killin’!! I sat in on “Summertime” and “Spain” – a moment to be fondly remembered for a …

A Walk in Perugia

[Chick writes from Perugia, Italy.] It’s nice to take a walk – – beautiful weather here!

Chick Meets Old Friends on the Road

[Chick writes from the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands, July 10.] Old home week – – That’s Dee Dee Bridgewater – – lots of fun – – she has a great band. Nice seeing Herbie. Gave me his new CD.

A Birthday Concerto in the Spirit of Mozart

In the summer of ’06 I got to realize a musical dream. I was commissioned to write a piece of music “In The Spirit Of Mozart” by the “Wiener Mozartjahr 2006” – one of Mozart’s musical homes – and to premier it in Vienna, one of the most musical cities in the world. The whole experience was a wonderful experiment …

Interview with Myself: Herbie in Germany

“Interview With Myself” You seemed really content and smiling after the show tonight. What was the reason(s)? Are you kidding? Tonight was Special! When do I get a chance to play solo piano in concert and have one of my favorite pianist/composer/musicians of all time there in the audience? Herbie was there tonight (Hancock of course). He brought John Axelrod …

With Roy Haynes in Germany

What a thrill it was to meet up with Roy Haynes the other night in Germany. It was Roy’s first Euro gig for his tour. I’ve been out now for a few weeks. So when I walked into the hotel after a long day’s travel, there was Roy sitting in the restaurant by himself having an 11 p.m. salad. Of …

Interview with Myself: Being on Tour

What’s it like to be on tour with yourself? After the intensities of the RTF Returns and Five Peace Band tours over the last 2 years, playing in my smallest, most intimate band has been a nice contrast. I get to “practice the piano” – something which becomes rarer and rarer as I become busier and busier.