Rafa, mi amigo,

So good to hear from you again! Hope you are well and enjoyed a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Yeah, it was sad to hear about the passing of Jim. He played with such taste and intelligence. All of these guys that we grew up with, Wes, Grant Green, Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel - to say nothing of Les Paul - are gone. Pat Martino is getting on in years but he still has some of the most wicked licks in the business.

I'm glad you liked Senor Thumbs, but - que Dios me ayude - I'm no Maestro. But, just the idea is such a profound compliment. Thank you, Rafa.

Dean Clark (aka Aleck Rand)