Dave Brubeck helped shape my musical life. He was incredibly honest and fearless in his musical directions. A mixture of classical and jazz in his improvisations mixed with odd time signatures and a joyful and playful approach towards experimenting. His music was never boring and always accessible. Too hip to try to be hip. He taught me how to be myself by always being himself in his music. If you can find it, check out Stardust, recorded back in the 50’s on Fantasy Records.