16 Comments
User's avatar
Bret Primack's avatar

Unbelievable. That night, you didn’t just earn your colors—you carved them into the stars. My God. You were walking with giants, shoulder to shoulder with greatness. Bu and Horace… two souls cut from the cloth of the infinite. There will never be another night like that. Never.

Expand full comment
Jim Brown's avatar

Great story, and I love your writing -- you had me rolling on the floor several times!

You spoke of magic moments -- here's two I'll never forget. Sonny Rollins Quartet in '64 at McKie's, my senior year in college. 30 years later, Sarah subbing for Della with the Basie band in a large Chicago club where I was mixing sound; she sang Basie band charts, she sang vocal charts, and she sang "East Of The Sun" with the rhythm section.

Expand full comment
Todd Coolman's avatar

We are so fortunate to have these magic moments that we carry forever.

Expand full comment
Arthur Rosch's avatar

Great jazz story, Todd. A classic.

Expand full comment
Dan McClosky's avatar

Hi Todd,

Great reminisces. What a treat to play with two of the finest. Thanks for telling us about it.

Dan

Expand full comment
Fiona Lugg's avatar

Wow! What a great story and well told.

Expand full comment
Steve Marsh's avatar

What a fantastic experience and story!! Blakey couldn’t resist putting the “new cat” through his typical challenges of shifting up through the energy levels.

Expand full comment
Andy Geiger's avatar

You put us in the room, and I am breathless just reading it. What an experience! Thank you for sharing it.

Expand full comment
Arndt Meiler.'s avatar

One of my first LPs was with the Horace Silver’s trio. So I have spent quite some time trying to fit in with the masters. But doing it for real in real time, would have made me breathless as a mountaineer in the death zone.

Expand full comment
Chitownchill's avatar

Wow, TC! I know that had to be an experience of a lifetime! Thanks for sharing!

Expand full comment
James Ostergard's avatar

Yow, my left hand is cramping just thinking about it!

Expand full comment
NJH's avatar

Great great story, life changing indeed, playing with two of the original Messengers, wow!

Expand full comment
Lawrence Silverman's avatar

what a life changing experience that must have been. Thanks for sharing and i am truly humbled

Expand full comment
Rob's avatar

Such a great story. Was listening to Nica’s Dream all last week!

Expand full comment
Al B's avatar

Terrific story, wow! Been enjoying your writing here (and your playing many times in person), but first time to comment. Thanks 🎶

Expand full comment
Todd Coolman's avatar

Thanks, Al!

Expand full comment