This morning Linda and I rode the train into Washington, DC, for the TS Monk International Jazz Bass Competition. Fifteen of the best bassists from around the world were competing for 3 top prizes. The semi-finalists were accompanied by Carl Allen on drums and Geoffrey Keezer on piano. The hosts of the event were TS Monk, Jr. and actor/painter Billy Dee Williams. Mr. Williams also painted the logo for this year's poster. The judges, Robert Hurst, Charlie Haden, Christian McBride, John Patitucci and Dave Holland awarded the top 3 spots to: Joe Sanders, Ben Williams and Matt Brewer. Tomorrow we go back to the Kennedy Center for the finals and star studded concert with special guests: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Dianne Reeves, George Duke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynn Carrington, Earl Klugh, Bobby McFerrin, John Scofield, Esperanza Spaulding, Terence Blanchard and Nicholas Payton.
