RIP Derek Bailey

I had the good fortune to discover Derek Bailey in 1972, when he was playing at the Unity Theater. Over the next twenty years i saw him at many gigs with musicians as diverse as Vinko Globkabar to Han Benink from Steve Lacy to Tristan Honsinger. These gigs remain some of the most moving and absorbing music I have ever heard.I first played with Derek in 1976 and last time in 1990.Playing with him brought home just how quick and fertile was his mind. I play soprano saxophone, and on one occasion at a Company gig in London ( I was in the audiance ) I had a conversation with Steve Lacy who was on the gig. Derek came into the disscussion. Steve Lacy said " The amazing thing about Derek is no matter how many times I play with him he always amazes me. I agreed. I count Derek as the most exceptional person I have ever met, socially he was full of wit and wisdom musically he was the Charlie Parker of his time.