Artie Traum

Memories of a good friend and great musician.

Artie and I were discussing something -- a concert, I guess -- I don't remember any of the details. I asked him about some equipment -- some very basic sound equipment, as I remember. He didn't have it.

"I really don't keep a lot of equipment," he said. "You've heard of gentleman farmers? They have the land, and they dress in tweeds and caps and walking shoes, but they really don't keep a lot of farm equipment around. Well, I think of myself as a gentleman musician."

I didn't react right away, and Artie said apologetically, "I thought it was funny."

"That's not it," I said. "It's too good. I'm not reacting quickly because I'm digesting it. The truth is, I suppose I'm trying to think of some way I can steal it and use it myself."

But I never did -- I haven't used that line or a variant of it again until today. And today, it's in tribute to my friend, a great musician and a true gentleman.