Rhythm Method: Christmas Practice  − 1 December, 2003

Sometime in December 2003, my first jazz band, Rhythm Method, got together for a practice session.  The musicians in that band were very dedicated.  I've attached two photos from Flickr to this post, below, but let me introduce the "core group", the band that eventually played at the 2004 Gainesville Jazz Festival:

• Andy Anderson, drums.  Andy was simply one of the best people I've ever known.  He had a natural feel for jazz.  But beyond his musicianship, he was just genuinely nice -- someone comfortable being himself, with no pretensions or play acting.
  
• Dave Forbes, bass.  Another mainstay of the group, Dave also ran a successful violin bow business.  Of all of us, he now has the most jazz experience: he's been one of the regular bassists at Leonardo's 706 for years now.
  
• Bruce H. McCosar, guitar.  OK, I'm only mentioning me because it's noteworthy that back in the day, I actually played guitar.  Unlike a lot of Brand X jazz guitarists, though, I preferred to do the arrangements and accompany the other soloists -- chords were my life.
  
• Yvonne Woodson, vocals.  This was someone with a great, jazzy voice who was always excited to perform.
  
• Carmen King, sax.  Carmen played both alto and soprano sax, and was a vigorous improviser, especially on swingin tunes.
  
• Greg Babbitt, flute & sax.  A more melodic and reflective player, Greg was a contrast to Carmen, excelling on the more moody pieces.  I remember one time he pulled off a masterful solo on "Caravan" on the oboe, of all things.
  
• Kenny Schwartz, keys & trumpet.  His trumpet playing was somewhere beyond excellent -- he had played in the Army band before joining the local police force.
  

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