It was great to see Don Sickler again where we rehearsed at his Second Floor Music rehearsal studio. Don's studio was busy as ever. I met David "Fathead" Newman after our rehearsal. He was coming in for rehearsal with Cedar Walton. Thank you, Don.

Don Sickler

John Levy, Norman Simmons, and Devra Hall
at the rehearsal studio

Bill Easley setting up

Norman going over an arrangement
Paul West on the bass

Clairdee and John leaving
a very successful rehearsal

FIRST MEETING | New York City

I was in New York recently to meet and rehearse with the great pianist Norman Simmons. The accompanist of choice for legendary vocalists Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Anita O'Day and Joe Williams, Norman is producing my new recording and writing the arrangements.

It was quite a thrill to work with Norman, bassist Paul West and "the world's most recorded drummer," the incomparable Bernard "Pretty" Purdie.

The setting for this gratifying session was Don Sickler's Second Floor Music rehearsal studio.

Norman Simmons,
Clairdee, Paul West,
and Bernard "Pretty" Purdie

Rehearsing at Don Sickler's studio

Bassist Paul West

Smiling and swinging!
It's a beautiful thing...