Wayne Shorter’s passing brings to mind and heart, so many memories, from the first time I heard him (at age 8 on Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers recording “Mosaic”) to the 36+ years I have been blessed to know him. He has mentored me, encouraged me and shared his GENIUS with me. He is like a second Father to me, a massive influence on my life. He has been so generous and loving to my wife Sachi and my daughters, Sachi Sato and Bella, who have grown up with “Uncle Wayne”.

We LOVE HIM and His incredible wife CAROLINA. They are truly family and we Love them so very much. Wayne’s generosity, encyclopedic knowledge about so many things. His wisdom, compassion and phenomenal sense of humor have all been a constant for decades. My Gratitude for him is boundless.

I will try to stick to the experiences that Danilo Perez, Brian Blade and I have been so blessed with throughout the 20 years of Wayne Shorter Quartet life together! Danilo has already written beautifully about this, but I will try to add my thanks as well: Wayne challenged us and empowered us to go on the most incredible journey of Life, Spiritual unity and artistic growth. His great humility, Superhuman strength in the face of adversity, generosity of Spirit, Mind blowing creativity and compassion for people, important causes and young people and all of our DREAMS, has been singular. Lots of people have talked about Waynes unique and brilliant way of describing things and teaching us all.

Wayne’s definition of Jazz - “Jazz means — I Dare You!” I also remember him saying “Some musicians crash the party they were already invited to”. Before we would play concerts Wayne would sometimes recount the idea he and Miles Davis would express “Let’s play like we don’t know how to play”. He never lost the childlike wonder of discovery in Life and Music.

In closing, Wayne always modeled the “WE not ME” dynamic, an extremely selfless leader. Life in “Wayne’s” world, universe, metaverse, etc. has been a life filled with Hope, adventure, risk taking, purpose, meaning, character, Laughter, Light, Joy and such Spiritually charged music. Dear Wayne, we will continue to Love you and hold you deep in our hearts FOREVER!