I received a number of e-mails yesterday in response to my post on the late Sal Mosca. The most touching was from Stephen Mosca, Sals' son. Stephen writes:
"You know, the Tristano school had as part of its philosophy this idea that commercial success, however it came, was corrosive and was to be avoided. This, in turn, led Sal to actively avoid any form of promotion for many years. Greatness was its own reward, but not someone else's idea of greatness, just that which you alone attempted to attain from yourself and for yourself, and, perhaps, for the music itself.
In later years, after his initial illness and having come to some sort of peace with himself, he came to want, or at least allow, himself to be shared with others somewhat more openly. I began to promote him gently, though he was still wary of it, about 10 years ago. And I am glad that I did.
Thank you for speaking about these greats and doing so with such care."
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