Losing creative, good, charismatic individuals too early is always affecting more than just the immediate family, friends and colleagues. Though we, the peripheral people, who were only indirectly touched by such great human beings' work, passion and creations, somehow suffer not only for the directly bereaved and the loss to the world of music, theatre, arts, literature, philosophy - we suffer for our own souls. Something great has passed.

Michael Brecker was clearly one of those influential people. And though I never met him personally, I have spoken to others who have and whose deep feelings after his death have touched me, and sadened me even more. Michael Brecker, one of the most outstanding tenor players, most sensitive composers and most inventive musicians, died on January 13, 2007, having lost his fight against Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) - a form of Leukemia - aged 57.

His music will stay with us... and we should all be so grateful that he gave it to us.

Back from Germany, Holland, France and Italy. Back from seeing cool kids, Lynn, Lasse, Klara, and Granddad, drum kits in grocery stores, never ending Autobahn road works, the cosiest fires, the worst German TV acting, the longest slagg-off session, delicious German beer and some very (!) special people.

The longest night is over - the coming Year will be a fabulous one. The lanternesque bright moon over Europe at New Year's night was almost unreal. I'm looking forward to what 2007 will bring and what I'm going to make of it: good travels, good music, good work, good fun, good vibes, good art and good love.