Michael J. Carrick Jr.

There's not a week that goes by that I have a memory of you and your band members. I've tried to contact Bob a couple of times but he doesn't return my calls. I'm hoping he is well. I'm working in FLA and hope to cross paths with Larry. I tell stories of you and I going to see Stanley Turrentine. I wouldn't have met James Moody if it weren't for you. Quincy Jones made a collaboration of "Moody's Mood For Love" sang by Rachelle Farrelle that is in my mind often. The gift of music that...

After nearly decades have passed regarding my first meeting and hearing Mike play, the results were to plant the seed of "Never Give Up" as the best is yet to come. My lucky encounter to hear Al Housner's group and all the great musicians that he exposed me to were the healing grounds to move on to a better existence. Reading my earlier comments remind me of those dark days and life save link that listening to the gift that Mike funneled to the deserving. Thank you from the bottom of my...

His sax playing saved my life. His soaring sounds, inspired by spirits only Mike could achieve, devoured the deep depression I was in the first night I heard him. After that, I had a new reason to live, seeking out more horns, more BeBop. My memories often replay the many events I was lucky enough to witness, the best of which was only invited friends to a closed Bertha's for a Christmas celebration was the highlight of my life. His solos still make me shiver in my recollections of that...

I still remember the first time I heard Mike play at Berthas. I was at a low in my life and hearing him perform took me out of my deepest depression and gave me a new life. Music, Bebop jazz that he administered so eloquently drew me out of dark days and marked the beginning of an amazing recovery to a better life. I became addicted to allowing myself out every weekend to ensure to hear what Mike would do next. He never stopped amazing me.

Mike,I remember the good old days when you and I along with Tony Bonitz played with Al Miller's Skyliners during the 50's and early 60's. I also remember the all night poker games after the jobs and how each of us took turns at losing our pay. But I'll never forget your beautiful tenor solo rendition of "Polka Dots and Moonbeans" at an outdoor wedding as the couple strolled through the trees toward the alter. It was an incredible moment and to this day, I still recall the chill up my spine....

Mike, as I've told you in the past, you saved my life when you played your horn and distracted me from the pain of a broken marriage. You allowed me to get to know you through your sax. The lessons in music granted me better understanding and enjoyment of jazz vocabulary. You created for me an environment of incredible stories. Introducing me as your personal friend to Stanley Turentine, James Moody, etc. You were the catalyst to craziness and real fun in life. I'll never forget how...