It's PRIME time to get out and play

When talking to a few of my musical acquaintances before this month's interview with Herbie Hancock, the conversation elicited a number of interesting responses. I asked what kinds of questions fellow musicians would have for the one of the jazziest, funkiest and all-around coolest people walking the planet. The responses ranged from the ridiculous to the not-so-sublime. "Wanna jam?" and "Can you teach me?" were some of my personal favorites. Many of us who followed Hancock in his 30s through his 50s were taken aback by his age. "Really, he's 70?" Yes he really is, and somehow the musical innovator has not only survived decades of changes-from post-bop to hip-hop-but he's also served as a musical conduit for those changes along the way. Every bit the "Chameleon" as one of his most influential songs denotes, we thank Hancock for taking the time to speak with us to promote his upcoming appearance at Tanglewood in the Berkshires this August. Also this month in PRIME, don't forget to check out our salute to summer sports and recreation. We've got a stunning double-page spread in the center of the magazine, highlighting some of the standout athletes from the Senior Summer Games of 2010, which was held in June. Just as Hancock is still every bit the musical changeling he was 50 years ago, these athletes haven't lost a step since they competed in high school, college or pick-up games. The thrill of victory and agony of defeat don't lose their meaning at any age. Our salute to recreational games continues on the inside back cover this month with a glimpse of a local bocce match in East Longmeadow. It's a laid-back competition that often lends itself to a good meal paired with a glass of wine. Now that's something that PRIME can stand behind. While the bocce game we photographed was a private one, bocce courts seem to be cropping up like toadstools after the rain. That town's senior center recently unveiled a public bocce court, and PRIME is hearing that the town of Longmeadow has also followed suit. We truly hope that our readers are able to get out and watch or participate in similar pastimes this summer-or at the very least cheer for their favorite teams on television competing in soccer's World Cup. Until next month's magazine, we hope you enjoy the playing fields of summertime sports, and the playing of music in summertime veunes. Sincerely, Mike Briotta PRIME Editor mikeb@thereminder.com