Joe Roland was one of the first and foremost New York City 4 mallet bebop jazz vibraphonists as well as an accomplished clarinetist. He knew a zillion tunes and constantly advised me to learn and memorize tunes. He told me it was important. And that is how he developed his excellent hearing of the chord progressions of tunes. Whatever the tune, he could hear the harmonic progression. He loved harmony and reharmonization. When I arrived in Miami, he got me my first gig. I will always be thankful to him for all his help, life advice, teachings including the hip reharmonizations. He was very compassionate and directly genuine. Enjoyed watching and listening to him perform. Hope your playing some bebop jazz vibes and clarinet and having a great time in heaven without having to move that big heavy vibes! Thanks for all the gigs, help, teachings, all the times we got to hang out, and the times you came out to see me perform, and your genuine friendship. And thanks for sending this note with the news article to my mother in Hawaii. You're a great jazz man and a kind and good person. I'm glad that I had the chance to meet and know you. Your buddy: Tom