90 Years Old Today

Today would have been Von Freeman’s 90th birthday.  While taking a break from a Thomas Holt history course I reminisced about his 80h birthday celebrations in 2002 (yes, his 80th birthday was celebrated a year early–long story).  We recorded a new CD, The Improvisor, we performed concerts all over the city, and we went to Berlin to play the Berlin Jazz Festival, curated that year by John Corbett.  It was an exciting time.  I kept saying to myself, “Man, I hope I am physically able to do all this when I am 80,” admiring how strong Von was at his age.  When we went to Berlin Von not only walked from gate to gate for all the flights, he carried his horn, and only ate at the airport.  While he was in Berlin (not even 24 hours) he didn’t touch any food.  And he played so strong–check out Vonski Speaks for the proof.

Time flies, Von is gone, and I am here thinking about my mentor on his 90th.  Hope you are swingin’ up a storm wherever you are, Vonski.6

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