In the spring of 1956, Monk, Elmo Hope, and I went to Central Park after staying up all night playing at a jam session. While I rowed them around the lake in a rented paddle boat, I received my education in what to look for inmusic and life. ‘Listen,’ Monk said to Elmo, ‘we’re moving through the waterin 4/4 time and the birds are singing 6/8 to it.’ I stopped rowing and listened; I’ve been listening ever since.