Throughout my career in music, I've been fortunate to have come into contact with some of the most giving talented and loving individuals who have nurtured my interest in music and helped me further on my path. Bobby Shew, a great artist and teacher has become just this kind of mentor for me. 
We met several times at different performances and jazz festivals, none of which I think he would remember. I finally worked up the courage to ask if he might have time to allow me to study with him privately and he graciously offered to allow me to visit his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I made the travel arrangements and Flew there for a week of study with him. Our days were filled with hours of learning as he gave his knowledge freely and really helped me as a player and teacher. Our nights were equally fulfilling as he and his wife hosted my wife and me for wonderful dinners and some very relaxing hang time. It was magical and transformative for me.
Some weeks ago, he sent me a recording of one of his students, Tony Kadleck, who I met while living in New York in the early 1990s. It was a simple note attached to the package…I thought you might enjoy this…I'm proud of my student Tony and his accomplishments.
I dutifully set aside some time and listened to the CD and was just knocked out by the writing and inventive music on the recording. Indeed, Tony has produced a glorious project on which he plays wonderfully and wrote all the music as well. I'm including a cut from his recording: Tony Kadleck Big Band - Sides
This is a masterful re-imagining of a tune from the popular music lexicon composed by Joni Mitchell, Both Sides Now. Though the instrumentation is not from a typical big band, it is orchestrated for strings, horns and rhythm section, it is a touching orchestration with his great playing woven through the orchestrational fabric.
Thanks Bobby!