Needless to say, our readers and any other jazz lovers and followers have certainly been made aware of the unfortunate passing of a most gifted bassist, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. Those listeners that have followed my career in jazz have certainly been aware of this unexpected and crippling loss to me and the other members of my quartet. I am certain that many, many followers of ours wondered in their own minds how we would overcome this unexpected and tragic blow with the passing of this great bassist and wonderful person.
It unexpectedly came to my mind that perhaps it was time to call on a gentleman whose musical talents and personality I have always enjoyed. I am referring to the Canadian bassist David Young.

David has been known, not only in Canadian music circles but because of his various travels in other countries, to be a more than talented bassist and a great guy. Without giving it too much thought, I immediately called on Dave to stand in the now empty bass position in my quartet. This was a decision that was made without any second thoughts due to the fact that David and I have worked and recorded together at earlier periods in my career. Happily, he responded unhesitatingly, and immediately agreed to join us. For those of you who may not be familiar with David's work, let me say this: David has stepped into a line of heavy jazz bass tradition that has preceded him. It is no easy task to follow the musical offerings of bassists such as Sam Jones, Ray Brown and Niels-Henning Pedersen. I cannot think of too many other bassists that would have the courage and, needless to say, the talent to walk in those musical footsteps! Unhesitatingly, David acquiesced to my invitation to him to join my quartet with the result that he has been able to do this without creating any musical rancour within the group, but rather operated as a musical healant to the three of us that remained.

I would like to take this moment to publicly thank this very gifted bassist and wonderful person for helping to ease the pain of our tragic loss. David, I publicly appreciate the healant that you have been to our group, which was mired in sadness and apprehension with Niels' passing, along with a new sense of purpose and determination to continue with the musical intent that Niels would have been a part of had he not left us. On behalf of Ulf Wakenius, Alvin Queen and yours truly, we thank you publicly for being there for us.

--- OP, Ulf and Alvin