Steven Tristano
For Jean Paul
When I was a homeless kid on the run and on the street, J.P. opened his heart, his family and his home to me. He gave me unconditional love when I knew none. His music affected me in a deep way. It was daring, original, and at the same time felt ancient. It has a nothing-extra, nothing-left-out completeness and integrity that few artists attain.
His music, wit and personal magnetism would make any time a special event, to laugh, dance and sing. He could fix or make anything run with baling wire and duct tape. His family was foremost in his heart and he would stand for us without hesitation to his last drop of blood.
When he was on the run I was his sidekick for awhile. He taught me the way of the gypsy outlaw and he was the absolute best, a living legend in his own time. We didn’t follow the American dream; we believed in the Gypsy Way. It was religious.
J.P. was a unique and most remarkable individual. I will always love him and regret nothing. His presence while living demanded respect. He deserves no less in the hereafter.
Steven Tristano, July 1998
(Steven was a beloved boyfriend of KayAnne Pickens when they were in their early teens, and the son of Leonard Joseph "Lennie" Tristano, an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and teacher of jazz improvisation.)
When I was a homeless kid on the run and on the street, J.P. opened his heart, his family and his home to me. He gave me unconditional love when I knew none. His music affected me in a deep way. It was daring, original, and at the same time felt ancient. It has a nothing-extra, nothing-left-out completeness and integrity that few artists attain.
His music, wit and personal magnetism would make any time a special event, to laugh, dance and sing. He could fix or make anything run with baling wire and duct tape. His family was foremost in his heart and he would stand for us without hesitation to his last drop of blood.
When he was on the run I was his sidekick for awhile. He taught me the way of the gypsy outlaw and he was the absolute best, a living legend in his own time. We didn’t follow the American dream; we believed in the Gypsy Way. It was religious.
J.P. was a unique and most remarkable individual. I will always love him and regret nothing. His presence while living demanded respect. He deserves no less in the hereafter.
Steven Tristano, July 1998
(Steven was a beloved boyfriend of KayAnne Pickens when they were in their early teens, and the son of Leonard Joseph "Lennie" Tristano, an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and teacher of jazz improvisation.)
