I've been following Rudy around for longer than three decades, ever
since he formed his first band.
       This evening he began, as he always has, with "What's New" and
concluded, as usual, with "Killer Joe". In between, we were treated
to the finest of musicianship and swingingest of sounds in ensemble
and solo work.
       Tonight's seventeen musicians included five saxophones, six
trumpets (Rudy is one), three trombones, piano, bass, and drums. It
was one of their finest-ever performances with nary a fault.
       The regular vocalist, Mark Teal, had a sub on sax so there
were none. Fine by me.
       This band is populated by mostly old guys.

This regular Third Sunday gig at the Lake Merced Boathouse is dimin-
ished by the terrible linoleum-covered cement floor. Even with dance
wax, the floor's difficult. When properly cleaned, it's OK. That's
rarely the case as was true tonight.
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 þ SLMR 2.1a #346 þ If I wanted it tomorrow, I'd ask for it tomorrow.