My right hand hasn't seen my left hand in thirty years

I missed this the first time around, but Hank Shteamer's interview with Chico Hamilton on the occasion of Chico's 85th birthday may be the greatest thing that has ever appeared in Time Out New York:

You teach drums and lead ensembles at the New School—what led you to that?

I realized that this could be my way of giving something back, because music has been very good to me. Schools are the only place to learn jazz today, but sadly, a lot of people teaching this music know nothing about swinging.

Okay, how do you teach someone to swing?

It takes just two things: patience and fortitude. [Taps rhythmically on table] You hear that? Okay, do that for me.

[Taps along]

Good. Now can you talk at the same time?

Okay… [Still tapping] My name is Hank, I was born in Kansas City.…

You’re from Kansas City? Oh shit, okay!

Read the rest.

(Via Mwanji.)