Played with Randy Weston on August 30th, the Friday evening of the Chicago Jazz Festival.  Just being on the same stage, in the same room, and in the same music with Mr. Weston was a transformative experience.  Pianist Ryan Cohen and I both commented at soundcheck how Randy sits in a higher plane of consciousness when he is performing–his comping is so magical and his ideas just flow and have a deep connection to the composition and the moment.  Performing Geof Bradfield’s “Melba!” was also an incredible experience–Geof’s writing has been some of my favorite new jazz work these past few years and I think he really nailed the feelings he was going for in “Melba!”  It was an honor be part of all the festivities.  Thanks to Stan Lee, photographer and partner of Chicago jazz bassist Marlene Rosenberg, for getting this shot of Randy and I.