Jake Randolph in "The Naked Beat" Pt. 29

I was standing behind the bar watching the crowd. They were playing "Straight, No Chaser," a cut from Thelonious Monk's new album 5 by Monk by 5, five songs written by Monk and performed by a quintet. It was okay, but I missed Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman.

I was waiting for Alex to catch my eye. I wanted to call him over to ask about Blaze without the whole swarm of bees following him. He finally looked at me and I motioned with my head for him to come to me.

He looked irritated but came over to me...