On the 10th February 1970 I saw Kenny Klarke for the first time and immediately decided to start playing the drums. Since that time I have never left the company of drummers. Through both listening to them and hanging out with them, I became aware of an approach to and an understanding of music which is theirs alone, and consequently, the great responsibility which they have in jazz. In this recording, which is a way of saying thanks for everything they have brought to the music, there are clearly some notable absences: to begin with, Kenny, the farther of us all; or equally, Art Blakey, not to mention a number of others without whom jazz would not have come into existence. I give homage to them, and in particular an affectionate thought for Charles Saudrais, who has just passed on. Everyone involved in making this record did so with a confidence, a patience, and a love of which I hope I am worthy. Finally, I wish to thank Christian Vander and Aldo Romano in particular, to whom I have owed so much over the years and who have shared with me these different COULEURS DE PEAUX.