Looking Forward & Looking Back

As we launch into a New Year our attention is divided between looking ahead and looking backward. There is benefit to be gained from each perspective.

Looking back, 2007 was a time of change. Like all of us, some corners have been turned and some friends have been left behind.

Here in Central PA the jazz community is poorer for the loss of Chris Santiago. The surprise of his death cast a shadow over the usual December festivities.

As a concert producer and Friends of Jazz founder I worked with Chris on numerous projects. He was generous with his time and with his instruments. The list of percussionists who have played his drum kit would read like a roll-call of the greats of jazz drumming.

A talented musician and gentle person was Chris. He always was a steady timekeeper no matter if he was behind his drums or just sharing a laugh.

Looking ahead, there is a whole world of music to which we’ll want to listen. Along the way there will be some new musical friends to be made too. For example, within the past week my eyes and ears have been opened to the exceptional percussionist Evelyn Glennie. To quote maestro Ellington, she is “beyond category.” I’ll have more to report in the coming weeks.

The beauty of jazz in part stems from the music’s ability to surprise. The adventuresome part of jazz comes from not knowing from where or when the next surprise will come.

Happy 2008!