I found out today that my friend, Ricky Loza, died of a heart attack last month. He was a professor of jazz studies at George Washington University where he taught drums. I feel that I've lost someone very special in my life. Ricky taught me everything I know on drums. He was a great musician and he had played with many famous musicians like Tito Puente, Louie Bellson, Dizzy Gillespie and Pete Escovedo. Ricky taught me so much about music and I'll miss seeing him play. But at the same time I feel sadness, I feel that Ricky lived his life how he wanted and that was as a beautiful musician. I can't be sad about that. That being said, I know it's natural to grieve but that doesn't make it any less difficult to bear. I'll miss him.

sorry to hear about your loss, Nova

Sorry to hear this. My condolences.

I am so sorry, Nova.

Sorry for your loss.

Thank you all for your kindness.
[This message was edited Mon Sep 15 13:18:51 PDT 2003 by NovaAngel]

I'm sorry NovaAngel.

I'm very sorry.

My condolences, Nova.
I know it doesn't feel like it now, but the pain will get better.

Supernova said:

Again my thanks to everyone for your kind words. They mean a lot. Thank you Supernova, I know it'll eventually get better. I'm sure that many of us have lost someone we hold close to our hearts. But I feel that in a way, Ricky's life should be celebrated just as much as it is mourned. I remember reading in Miles Davis' autobiography about how he missed Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Gil Evans. What Miles said makes me feel better somewhat. He said that (and I'm paraphrasing) even though they are gone, the music they made was so beautiful, it is bound to forever float in the air waiting for someone to listen. That's how I feel about Ricky.

Before he died, I gave Ricky a copy of my album. There was one track in particular I wanted him to listen to. It was a latin jazz piece. That particular song is so important because it contains everything that Ricky ever taught me in regards to latin jazz rythmns and drums. It's as if I was given the opportunity to say thank you, goodbye, and I love you to him through music. The wonderful thing is that it was Ricky who taught me how to do it in the first place.
[This message was edited Mon Sep 15 16:44:35 PDT 2003 by NovaAngel]

I'm sorry to hear this Nova

Nova

:Pray: :F:

NovaAngel said:

May your friend r.i.p. He sounds like a great person. This may sound weird but just Saturday I bought the Love Supreme Coltrane special edition and am listening to it as I type...it was his gift to god so its apt that u have that Love Supreme in your post. Im sorry for your loss.
[This message was edited Mon Sep 15 17:33:10 PDT 2003 by 40acres]

sorry, nova

40acres said:

Thank you.