October 8, 2012
“Abbey was one of the most distinctive voices in modern jazz. She told some beautiful honest stories about her life and experiences and had a way of expression that touched you in a very personal way. Abbey’s tunes and interpretations were full of meaning with each word articulated with deep passion. She was a beautiful story teller. I learned how to speak a melody playing and listening to her in a more personal way. When she called me to play on her recording ‘Over the Years’ I was excited and thrilled. It is one of the highlights of my career. I felt I was accepted into her inner circle which included Coleman Hawkins, Max Roach, Thelonious Monk and other modern jazz legends. I’ll miss seeing her and being in a room with her and her music and I will celebrate that inspiration for the rest of my life.”
