Playing, teaching, learning, discovering, experiencing, cooperating, uncovering, swinging, playing the blues and believing in the power of our music to uplift, inspire and unite!

What a gas it was to play and teach with these guys.  Don Braden is the director of the Camp.  This man is immersed in the blues and plays, teaches and directs the camp with the same commitment-150% all the time.  Dezron [Douglas] knocked me out with his deep swing and his knowledge of Barry Harris tunes.  Couldn’t believe it.  We WILL be playing some more.  Winard reminds me of the old cats–such fire and swing, yet he’s as youthful as any self respecting teenager on campus.

Claire [Daly]'s been telling me how great this camp is for years.  She’s been teaching there for as long as I’ve known her, about 10 years. You are absolutely right, Claire.  So good to be up there with ya’!  Claire also teaches at Middle School Jazz Academy at Jazz at Lincoln Center with me and I’ve played on her 5 CD’s.  She is one supremely soulful sister with a sound on the baritone like a wise old soul you must know so you can remember who you are.  Love you madly, Claire!

READ THE REST OF ELI'S BLOG POST HERE.