The Real McCoy

Last night was probably one of the most satisfying experiences in music I've ever had, and at least at the moment, I won't attempt to describe it in detail. The McCoy Tyner Septet played at The Blue Note in Greenwich Village to a sold out and very appreciative crowd. Classics from the Impulse Records’ catalog were performed—from Oliver Nelson’s “Stolen Moments,” & Charles Mingus’ “The Dancer,” to John Coltrane’s “Africa,” and “Resolution.”

Aside from listening to the unearthly sounds and talents of these mortal men, I also had the pleasure of spending about an hour before the show with Christian Scott, a young trumpet player from New Orleans who is making a name for himself in the jazz world. We talked outside the club; I was moved by his intelligence and sweetness. At 23 he has already had much success and I was so impressed by his humility and lack of pretension. (He is also the nephew of sax player Donald Harrison.) Inside the club, I spoke with jazz legend, Clark Terry. He sat in the audience, and I sat beside him for a bit. He put his arm around me and I told him he looked beautiful in his tan suit. Later in the evening he played his trumpet from his chair, McCoy on stage on piano, along with bass and drums.

When the show was over I walked the streets of the city and let the music settle in me. Then, of course, I took the "A" Train all the way home.