All of us carry a mental list — a quiet inventory of what could have been. Moments that linger like ghosts in the corridors of memory. These are the fork-in-the-road incidents: the job we didn’t take, the phone call we never made, the person we let go, the dream we put on hold. Each one could’ve sent our lives down a completely different path.
But what governs those pivotal moments? Is it fate — some cosmic design unfolding with eerie precision? Or is it our own choices, shaped by fear, hope, instinct, or chance? Maybe it’s both. Maybe fate lays out the options, but it’s our decisions that give them weight. The truth is, we never really know what might’ve happened. All we can do is live with the echoes, learn from them, and keep walking forward — one choice at a time.
Whoa—that’s some deep s—t. Of course, life’s twists and turns are unpredictable—and as the late Sydney Harris once wrote, ‘our ignorance is our impetus.’
But your writing of Dex, the jam sessions, the clubs, the songs, are eloquent and moving.
I’ve got my favourite songs from the albums you listed, perhaps share some of yours with the readers?
Thank you for your kind comments. I think the reason we called them “albums” was because the entirety of the selections endeavored to tell a story or be thematic. It makes it difficult for me to single out favorites, but perhaps that’s just me.
I learn so my when I read about your experiences. Reminds me to always make the most of every playing opportunity because you never know where it will lead to next! I always tell me students to always play like someone will only get to hear you play one time and that’s how they remember you! As always, thanks for sharing!
I heard Dexter Gordon a few times during his exil in Europe. He was playing with locals, but it probably didn’t affect him. He sounded as on the records as I remember. A true musician devoted to music of the highest standard. Long tall Dexter!
All of us carry a mental list — a quiet inventory of what could have been. Moments that linger like ghosts in the corridors of memory. These are the fork-in-the-road incidents: the job we didn’t take, the phone call we never made, the person we let go, the dream we put on hold. Each one could’ve sent our lives down a completely different path.
But what governs those pivotal moments? Is it fate — some cosmic design unfolding with eerie precision? Or is it our own choices, shaped by fear, hope, instinct, or chance? Maybe it’s both. Maybe fate lays out the options, but it’s our decisions that give them weight. The truth is, we never really know what might’ve happened. All we can do is live with the echoes, learn from them, and keep walking forward — one choice at a time.
Eloquently stated, my friend.
Whoa—that’s some deep s—t. Of course, life’s twists and turns are unpredictable—and as the late Sydney Harris once wrote, ‘our ignorance is our impetus.’
But your writing of Dex, the jam sessions, the clubs, the songs, are eloquent and moving.
I’ve got my favourite songs from the albums you listed, perhaps share some of yours with the readers?
Thank you for your kind comments. I think the reason we called them “albums” was because the entirety of the selections endeavored to tell a story or be thematic. It makes it difficult for me to single out favorites, but perhaps that’s just me.
Fair enough.
Some of the songs swing more, but chacun a son gout, and appreciate your comments.
I learn so my when I read about your experiences. Reminds me to always make the most of every playing opportunity because you never know where it will lead to next! I always tell me students to always play like someone will only get to hear you play one time and that’s how they remember you! As always, thanks for sharing!
Play like it’s the last time you will ever have the privilege of doing so.
I always do.😁🎶🎶❤️
In spite of what might have been on that night you're "One of our men in Jazz", Todd.
Hey Gerry, yes, that was quite a night!
I heard Dexter Gordon a few times during his exil in Europe. He was playing with locals, but it probably didn’t affect him. He sounded as on the records as I remember. A true musician devoted to music of the highest standard. Long tall Dexter!
Yes, Dexter sounded great in any context.
I had the great privilege of seeing Dexter Gordon play at Club 43, Shude Hill, Manchester in 1966.
Marvelous. He must have sounded great at that time.
We were very close. We made eye contact.
Thank you for sharing this Todd. Wonderful story and your message of acceptance is timely for me. Much appreciated.
Glad to see that I can be helpful to some, Eric.
Wild & interesting story w/ huge range of emotions, questions- but glad for ya to culminate w/ a happy ending.
It’s all part of the business. I am more fortunate than I could have ever imagined.