The first time I played the piano. I was 5. I studied classical piano with the soloist for the St. Louis Philharmonic from 10-12.
When I was 14, I happened on a Miles Davis show (I was looking for ANYTHING like Buddy Guy) in Old Town Chicago (Wells St.). It was the night before Xmas Eve. I snuck out of my relative's house and took the train downtown to look for some blues. I saw a line of peeps going into a club on Wells and figured it had to be the best blues, right? I was 5'10" (1.78 m) and hooded up for winter, I could get into anyplace. Bouncers were more interested in stopping trouble back then (1965). Anyway, the club was called the Plugged Nickel and it was the first of two nights. How freakin' lucky was that? 30-some years later, I was able to buy the Sony 8-CD set of both nights!
When did I fall by the wayside?
I could see where Coltrane was going, even if I couldn't follow him there.
But Dexter Gordon? He lost me.