First encountered Von at one of Joe Segal's Charlie Parker Memorial concerts. He was dueling with Dexter Gordon. Next was another Segal show with Von, Jug, Mobley and a very uncomfortable Hank Crawford.
Started a weekly encounter at the Enterprise Lounge on 75th St in 1975 and this went on for about 4 years. During that time we made our first recordings.
Remember him wiping the floor with Sonny Stitt one night on Lincoln Avenue.
Met his mama - lovely lady - at the house they shared with George.
Tons of memories through the years. Hard to put them all together in some context.
Last saw him a few months ago.
Thank you Vonski.