One day I discover, with amazement rather than dismay, that I have passed the birthday sign marked “80.” I sit on my terrace in Nice, enjoying the view that embraces the Mediterranean from Cap Ferrat to Cap d'Antibes, and I count my blessings. I sigh my thanks from a Latin “Deo Gratias” to an Oriental “al hamdul'Allah” in homage to the land of Egypt, where I was born and given my first fourteen years of multiethnic education. I felt neither a British subject, as had been my Maltese father, nor a maternal Italian one, considering myself simply a “bent el Nil,” a “daughter of the Nile,” as did most of us European schoolgirls in Cairo.
I realize how incredibly blessed I have been in my career dedicated to the diffusion of jazz music, and feel I should put down on paper all those unique “Close Encounters in the Jazz Dimension” experienced in the first person right in the midst of the truly innovative, historic, and magical jazz years. Although this text is written in the first-person singular, I consider myself but a witness to lead you through all of the happenings—conversations, interviews, and anecdotes—drawing a unique picture of the following artists as I have known them.
I was warmly accepted by a giant such as Duke Ellington during his last seven years. He chose to be my friend, demanding my annual presence during his concert tours in Europe as his “good-luck charm” and as his sounding board for all the phrases he would dictate to me, to be used later in his own writings. Our relationship was an unbelievable and precious experience.
Ray Charles and I were close for more than ten years, as the many taped interviews will prove. His initial interest in me as a young woman soon developed into an affectionate, protective relationship where he organized our yearly meetings with almost secretive discretion. He not only let me tape our long talks concerning music, segregation, health, and religion, but he also enjoyed being my technician, handling the tape recorder most efficiently.
Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach entered my family life in 1967 in Italy, charming my mother and young son and establishing an immediate trusting relationship between all of us that lasted strongly through the years till their passing away: Max in 2007 and Abbey in 2010.
Also, Dizzy Gillespie chose to become a most welcome member of my family. Involved with us during the last twenty years of his life, he chose to participate actively in my most important educational projects in Italy and in general became a beloved member of our community, becoming officially elected Honorary Citizen of Bassano del Grappa, where we had founded the “Dizzy Gillespie Popular School of Music.”
Horace Silver was irresistible with his sharp sense of humor and brilliant music. He possessed also a special kindness toward his fellowmen, starting with a total dedication to his family. We could spend hours in serious discussion about religions and history, yet such moments were always interspersed with laughter. Our friendship, born in 1968, lasted through all his years.
Mentioning Bill Evans gives me a feeling of deep regret for the loss of such a unique artist and surprising human being. For some odd, fortunate reason he chose to spend one full day with me, in Bologna, Italy. We walked and talked; we stopped for cappuccinos and talked. To my joy, he was willing to share his thoughts on music, education, and politics, with a few smiles added. I felt grateful for his friendly attention, and that single day was worth a lifetime for me.
Each of these great artists had a very different, well-defined personality. They opened their inner doors, generously allowing me to enter and witness their private lives. You are welcome to join us.