Not to turn this blog into an obituaries section, but I do feel the need to recognize two amazing artists we lost in the past two weeks: Dave Brubeck (91) and Ravi Shankar (92).
The great thing is that these two lived such long and fruitful lives, and were able to share so much of their music with the world. When you think of it that way, it's hard to be sad. Our lives are that much more enriched because of them.
I heard of Ravi Shankar's death while in Oakland at a show. It was hard to believe - for me, his presence has always been near, whether through my tabla teacher's stories (they toured together in the 90's), through the music of the Beatles and George Harrison, or just the fact that for years he lived a few miles away from my hometown. I am so grateful to have seen him perform, and for the influence he's had in my musical career.
Thank you Pandit, and thank you Mr. Brubeck, for making the world a better place.