Here are the remarks I made on August 28, 2012, for Von Freeman’s memorial. Von had passed August 11, 2012.

Like most everyone here, Von’s passing hit me pretty hard.  It took a bit of time to try to make sense of it.  I still haven’t–how does one comprehend a giant like Von?  What’s funny is I started to see his spirit in everything around me—places I never had thought of before.  When I hear a pretty song, I see Von.  When my mind is hearing something: a musical line, a thought, silence, I see von.  When my daughter Gabriela, little outski, sings in her angel-like voice with every emotional fiber in her body and spirit, I see Von. 

 You all know what I mean:

If you were lucky enough to enjoy this man’s presence, you felt what perhaps poets of ancient times felt when they wrote about giants, gods, and other spiritual beings.  Von was unique from any human in this way—he touched you at your deepest level.

So (as I reflect on my time with Von I realize that) we are the fortunate—we knew him; we saw him reach heights of creativity that very few musicians ever reach.  We saw him play ballads with a feeling of love, romance, and heart that would move you in your core.  We saw him play the blues and bring its true essence to our ears. We saw him play solos that developed into masterful compositions right before our very eyes; compositions that were spontaneous creations.  We are the fortunate that saw him push young musicians to higher levels, that saw him encourage the young no matter what their abilities.  We saw a man that gave of himself to anyone that asked—musician, doctor, policewoman, homeless person–anyone.  We are the fortunate that received his message if we were willing to listen.  He spoke with his horn, with his words, with his jokes, with his handshake, with a hug, with his silence.  We are all fortunate for having encountered this man that came from a spiritual place to help us see a little better.  

I am going to miss you, Von.  Intensely.  You helped me see how to find my own musical path; you gave me the words to help me and countless others understand the importance of what we are doing in jazz music; you gave us the example of what it means to constantly battle, grow with the music, to never stop seeking no matter what is happening around you. You were one of the greatest improvisers that has ever lived, and I am so honored and forever grateful that you allowed me to improvise with you for all those years.  I, my family, and everyone in this room will never forget what you gave us.