![]() Perhaps the most famous account of one great jazz player learning from another is the story of Charlie Parker at an early point in his career studying the records of Lester Young. Rivera’s description of using videos to prepare for a game sounds not unlike a practice ritual which is common for jazz players at many levels, the practice of learning recorded solos by master players, either by notating them or simply learning them by ear. A ‘hot‘ player is someone bandleaders want to feature, who colleagues are eager to perform with, and who aspiring players may want to study through recordings, as a way of assimilating their ideas. Rivera’s use of the word ‘hot’ to describe a highly skilled hitter who he studies on video in preparation for a real-time confrontation reminds me of how jazz musicians use the same word to describe a highly creative improviser. If the guy’s hot, well, pay attention to the game…I’m seeing the game while I’m doing something to get ready. I watch the game, exactly the game that we’re playing. Rivera: For me, I just learn about the experience. Rose: and what do you get out of that video? Rivera: Oh, we have so much videos, so much reports… Rose: Tell me about studying for a hitter. ![]() In a recent interview with Charlie Rose, Yankee pitcher and five time World Series champion Mariano Rivera was asked how he prepares to face a particularly difficult hitter:
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