​Reflections on teachers I’ve had: the good, the bad, and the wonderful. Part One

1. ​Wilf Manning, high school teacher at Widdifield Secondary school in North Bay Ontario. Saw and encouraged something I couldn’t see. He sought me out before he passed, we had a beautiful lunch together. Never underestimate the effect of a gentle nudge.
2. Rufus Reid, bassist of note. Over lunch in Kentucky he gave me great insight and encouragement on a day I really needed it. I had just been taken to task for my drumming by renowned trumpeter and childhood hero of mine Bobby Shew, drum teacher to the stars Ed Soph, and vibraphonist Dick Sisto. It was ugly, they meant well, they were correct, I was heart broken.
3. Harry Forbes, at age 13 he presented me with a vision on the possibility to be a musician and how I might proceed. We still chat and play together.  
4. Ali Jackson, drummer from Lincoln Center Big Band NYC. “Bring joy to the bandstand”. Keeping it simple and musical. That was a hell of a week. Lowell Whitty this past week reminded me of the importance of keeping it simple and musical.
5. Leon Karan, pianist who when I was about to tell him my very modest goals for piano, said, “of course you are here to do your ARCT?”. Thank you, Leon. We hit it out of the park. You changed my musical direction and outlook. Nice side note: It took me years afterwards to recognize my own playing at the piano.

David