A great shot by Pat Johnson

Yesterday was one of the worst days I can remember in recent times. I got a call from my sweet friend and teacher at The Jazz Institute that George Mesterhazy had passed away. The shock ran through me like a cold steel knife piercing my heart, and then I thought, “What about his sweet Vicki and children? What must they be going through at this moment?”

George just clelbrated his 58th birthday on April 8th, I woke up that morning thinking about him, we often would text back and forth about silly funny things or thoughts we had. It was Easter Sunday and by the time I got done with the kids and dinner etc, I  sent a text telling him I was thinking about him, then a few hours later I realized it was his birthday and that is why I was thinking about him.  I meant to give him a call later during the week to thank him once again for such a fabulous time we had a few weeks earlier.

George, Brian Glassman and John Mele had played at The Metropolitan Room and had a blast. BTW, I filmed the whole thing and have not had a chance to look at it, I know it will be a cry fest for me to watch.  Then we drove down to Cape May and played the next night at the Marion Inn. We talked the entire way down and listened to what we had done the night before, he was generous with his comments abour improving the songs or helping me create the correct feel to help set the mood.  Giving me incredible encouragement on ways to improve my singing, all of which I took notes, mental and written.

One of my favorite songs we did together was Everytime We Say Goodbye, the title of our album. Take a listen to his mastery on the piano in this short demo of our songs below. We went into the studio with no rehearsal and everything was recorded on either a first or second take, friggin brilliant!

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Those were fabulous days I spent with him, laughing, tossing jokes back and forth. He was King of those silly, off the cuff comments that either made you belly laugh out loud or shocked you.Saying things like, Oh no chew dident. or F**k You, no, f**ck you. Ya’ll know what I mean and can’t you just hear him saying those things?

He was one of the few people I knew who was always his true self and did not care what others thought of him, he just lived life to it’s fullest and was totally honest about how he felt about you and everything else. Someone who I took a life lesson from everytime I was with him. Whenever I had a problem, I could call him and he had a no-nonsence solution that made me say to myself, of course that is how I should handle that. He was like my favorite uncle who you can talk about anything with them and they are full of wisdom and wit and unconditional love for you…that was George for me.

I love you and will always have you in my heart for the rest of my days my sweet adorable piano player.

I was asked the other day while at dinner with a most wonderful friend if I was going to blog again. I know, I know, I said I was going to  but I have not. Yet, here I am ready to give you small tidbits of my life…but now it’s too late in the tooth and I am so ready to head to bed after a most wonderful class with Roger Letson, teacher extraordinary!  I watch how he takes a student and completely turns them around into a wonderful singer that was hidden deep inside them. They didn’t even know what was in there until Roger got ahold of them and Voila! The butterfly has sprouted wings and sings.  Wait, do butterfly’s sing?

Good night, headed to my empty bed.

Last week the world lost an amazing and talented drummer, Mr. Eddie Marshall. The entire thing feels so very unreal to me. Last year I had the pleasure of working with him every Thursday afternoon, his insight into working with a singer and rhythm was amazing.

Eddie was laid back and so in touch with his music that every moment was a joy to be with him, and his humor was wonderful. I would look over at him while I was singing and that dazzling, warm smile would make you feel so comfortable and bring a smile to your face just to see his.

I will miss you Eddie…that practice room will not be the same without you in it..