Richie Cole

[Hot Ptah]

I saw Richie Cole at the Blue Room in Kansas City on Friday night. He was playing as well as he did in the late 1970s. His solo on "I Can't Get Started" was excellent, a level above skilled bop blowing.

I was struck by how old, and unhealthy, his face looks up close. He was standing on the street corner in front of the club between sets and I walked by. I hope that he is well.

[Spontooneous]

Sorry I missed you there. I couldn't get there until the last set.

I wondered the same. I'm sure his history of alcoholism has taken quite a toll on his body -- but he appeared quite sober in the last set, was playing strongly, and seemed to be drinking nothing but water.

The death of his wife in 2006 probably didn't help anything. His Marlboro Gold habit isn't helping either.

But his playing was fairly impressive, better than I expected.

What did you think of Brad Leali?

[Hot Ptah]

I liked Brad Leal's playing. I couldn't tell if he had more range than he was showing and was trying to fit in with Cole like hand in glove.