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Was reading through the GS autobiography today, and happened on a few pages dealing with the friendship between GS and BE. They were kind of brought together by Tony Scott and Geo. Russell, and first collaborated on Russell's "All About Rosie", whose piano solo GS calls one of the greatest in jazz history. They got together in 1960 at GS' apt in NYC, and would play four hand versions of Wagner's operas, in addition to Scriabin's Poem of Ecstasy! Though GS had a long and close relationship with John Lewis as his jazz pianist, he said that BE was the only jazz pianist who could improvise on his third stream music and stay within the spirit of the piece. He then recounted how BE SIGHT READ Milton Babbitt;s "All Set"- dynamics and all... They lost touch with each other for a few years, and then BE knocks on his door in 1963, and asks to 'borrow' some money. GS notices BE looks a little out of it, but gives him $15. The next day BE is back, asking him for more money, and the next day, and the next day... until after a month or two of this, GS' wife tells him to turn BE down, or they're going to go broke. GS finally realizes what's going on, and sends BE on his merry way- and never sees him again... You have to admire GS' ability to recognize the ability of lesser known players such as Eddie Costa ('phenomenal talent') and Sticks Evans (could sight read difficult polyrhythmic parts, and then serve as house drummer for Atlantic Records' R&B artists). And then there's the story of how Don Cherry and Ornette first got Jimmy Giuffre to play free jazz at the Lenox School of Jazz.... Fascinating reading.