Flow

Up until recently the art of Jazz was shared from one generation to the next by way of apprenticeship from master to student. The “bandstand” was the musician’s classroom. This type of tutelage can be witnessed throughout the history of Jazz, from Louis Armstong to the great bands of Ellington and Basie, through the small groups of Art Blakey, Betty Carter, Mingus, Miles Davis and the like. While it is true that this type of apprentice/master relationship still exists today, currently the majority of jazz education in the 21st century takes place in the University classroom. My own personal jazz education started with listening to records, private lessons, some brief classroom experiences, and then moved primarily to the bandstand. I remember performing with the late great drummer Billy Peoples (Miami) when I was in my early twenties. One of my early “bad habits” was to stomp my feet on the stage as a way to keep time with the music. I remember Billly throwing a drumstick across the bandstand and just missing my head while he yelled at me “I am the drummer”. Needless to say I no longer stomp my feet while playing!! I have been fortunate to work briefly with several “Masters” beginning with Ira Sullivan and including Charles Moffett Sr., Dave Liebman, Wadada Leo Smith, Mark Whitecage, Dakota Staton, Dom Minasi and many others. The list is long. However, performing over the last several years with Oliver Lake as part of our “Generations Quartet” has been a unique experience for me. Perhaps it is because at the ripe age of 65 I am able to appreciate more fully the mastery of an artist like Oliver Lake. Oliver’s dedication, passion and intensity on the bandstand consistently elevates my own playing to another level. When performing with Oliver (and the rest of the quartet) I experience the Music in a more complete and organic way. This is the gift of a Master. Of course, I must also thank my musical partner over the past thirty years, bassist Joe Fonda. What a blessing to have been privileged to work with Joe in so many different contexts and grow together musically, personally and spiritually. And, what can I say about our young drummer, Emil Gross. We started this project as a trio and it has been an honor to be a part of Emil’s musical and personal growth over the past six years. Emil is a natural musician and continues to surprise and delight us with his creativity, imagination and integrity. Thanks to everyone who has helped us along this path for the past forty years. Without your support this recording would not exist!!!

(Michael Jefry Stevens)