NEWS - The main news is that my wife Elsa had severe pain at the end of December, a trip to emergency and the discovery of a large mass on her right adrenal gland, which rests on top of the kidney. She will need surgery but there has been a delay because of endocrinology questions which lead to time consuming preparation for tests that are essential before surgery can take place. The musical end result of this is that I have had to cancel my participation in the Fresno Jazz Festival based on the chance that surgery might be then, or that there could be complications close to that time. And that is too many days for me to be away from home. Fortunately my good friend and favorite piano player Jeff Hamilton is able to take my place.

I have a few local music jobs in February and March which I still intend to keep. I also have a music trip to Berkeley at the end of March, beginning of April, and I believe the surgery certainly should have taken place before that time.