Monday I gave a lecture/demonstration at California Institute for the Arts. The jazz program there is run by pianist David Roitstein. The faculty includes Darek Oles on bass and Joe Labarbera on drums, and I was fortunate that they were both available to play with me.
Talk about intimidating: some of the best musicians in LA, including Cal Arts faculty member/guitarist Larry Koonse, pianist Mike Garson and my own trio drummer Billy Mintz decided to show up for the class. (Mike and Billy are pictured below) As they sat right in the the front row with arms folded (they claimed the room was cold) I felt as if I were taking a jury! Of course they were very nice. Pianist Steve Lockwood also stopped by. Thanks for your support, guys!
