I arrived in New York yesterday after 450+ miles of driving, took a brief nap and caught two sets of George Coleman at Smalls with Spike Wilner, Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth. On the way back to my car, I gave in to temptation and saw a Tardo Hammer set at Mezzrow. The presence of Steve Williams on the gig (Lee Hudson was on bass) ultimately sold me on it, as I am a Shirley Horn fan. I then got caught in a traffic snarl that added 50 minutes on to my drive home.
Tonight I saw a Warren Vache trio gig at Shanghai, with guitarist Doug Clarke (a protege of Tal Farlow!) and bassist Earl Sauls. Tomorrow will end the trip with two sets of George Cables at the Vanguard.
The day after I return, I'll be catching Herbie Hancock. I'd say this is a good week.