I just learned that jazz bassist Keter Betts died a few days ago on August 6, 2005. Keter was one of those cats you had to work and hangout with. Keter played on records with Dinah Washington, Wes Montgomery, Nat Adderly, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Terry, Oscar Peterson, and Charlie Byrd. Keter never did receive the credit that Stan Getz and Charlie got for introducing the U.S to the Bossa, even though he was on their million seliing album. It shows that this country has a long ways to go in terms of racial equality.

However, he did start to receive some recognition just a few years ago. It's amazing to remember the dozens of times we talked over the telephone. In fact, his voicemail is still present at his former home. Last time we talked, he remarked about all the weight he lost as a result of his health concerns.

Most importantly, the world has lost a human being who cared about others and who would tell me about some of the "dirty underhanded things" that some "famous musician would do." I'm sworn to secrecy about a particular person.

Anyway, I hope his spirit can meet with his late wife to whom he was married for sixty-five years. I'm really banking on the feeling/evidences that this life is just an experience in our present form that is not guaranteed to be fair and free of worry. However, we must not wimp out and become destructive toward others in our pursuits. Keter, may God bless you and thanks for the connection to the truths you shared with me. Fellow guitarists, don't wimp out by cloning and copying others for a career. Write your own books! Your mind/spirit are the most important musical factors.

Til next time!