Ran into Steve in a Pete's coffee shop in my neighborhood in Oakland just now. He looked a lot older than when I last saw him a few years ago. I probably do, too.
I mostly spoke with the young couple he was with, one of whom, Joe, I think, is his caregiver and apparently they live in Richmond. Joe is also a player and says that Steve is still showing him things and that his playing is still pretty good. They (mostly Steve) were carrying a guitar.
Steve seemed to be OK. I let him deal with the counter folks and such as that seemed to take his concentration, if you know what I mean. (Like I won't be there soon!) We talked just briefly, enough for me to mention seeing him play a few times in recent years (Tho' I don't think he has performed anywhere in the last 2 or 3.) and meeting him at his last party up on Shattuck in North Berkeley. I said I knew a lot of folks who would like to know he was doing OK.
He asked me to call anytime. I might take him up on that.
All for now.
John C.
