RIP Richie “Alto Madness” Cole February 29, 1948 - May 2, 2020

This happens to me too often: great musicians have to die to get my attention. 

The band goes like crazy, and Richie himself is phenomenal, but you've got to hear the piano solo that comes after Richie's opening solo. Not only is Bobby Enriquez a fantastic conventional hard bop piano player, but he's got a bag of wild tricks up his sleeve. Too many piano guys make a dead spot when you shine a light on them. Bobby is so full of life cops want to blood test him. 

RIP Richie. Nice nickname. Nice to meet you; I miss you already.