This I Dig Of You (Hank Mobley), The Steve Elmer Trio

The "noise" seems to go with the territory. It's remarkable that we were able to do as well as we did under the circumstances. The Garage is a restaurant/cafe that features live music every day--one of the few places left for not well-known jazz musicians to play. Please check out "They Say It's Wonderful" and "If You Could See Me Now." They were recorded at Smalls Jazz Club in New York where people come to listen. Smalls has music every day too. There's no food. Just music and a bar.

I wish I had the luxury of choosing where I can play and who I can play for. Jazz musicians have had to deal with this situation from the beginning. In many instances, it inspires them to play better. In many other instances it inspires them to try and ease the pain and frustration by acting in self-destructive ways. The "jazz life" is not an easy one. I and many other jazz musicians play in public because we need to express ourselves. The obstacles we face are occupational hazzards.

I feel your pain.