Street Saxophonist on 18th and M

Late after partying at Josephine’s; a lady and I walked to Lucky Bar to meet up with some friends but ended up smoking a few cigarettes and eating empanadas at Julie’s instead. I put her in a taxi; I set down 18^th whistling «In a Sentimental Mood.» Somewhere in the distance the sweet mournful tone of a saxophone in the night. I paused to listen: «Girl from Ipanema” – «‘Round Midnight.»
The corner of 18^th and M, I saw him, playing a saxophone, his case on the ground filled with dollar bills and change. I stood there for a while, tapping my feet, while he played his songs. Then we got to talking – about how, for instance, «Ornithology» and «Giant Steps» were just older jazz standards embellished by newer masters; about how I should buy the Nancy Wilson and Cannonball Adderley album; about Sonny Stitt and how he might have been the best; about how «A Love Supreme» was overrated.
I had nothing in my wallet, thanks to the drinks and empanadas. Instead, I gave him my cigarettes and shook his hand. His notes kept me company as I walked down the early morning dark.