* * * * * acknowledgements to dave cowden and alan hodge , two drummers who challenged me and inspired me early on , when i was first learning my craft , to john mcvarish and rob wullenjohn , two bass players who grooved alongside me , `` in the rhythm pocket , '' many a fine gig , to john rechy and james ragan , two master writers who granted me apprenticeships , to dave `` hawaii five-o '' lewis , m.d. , one lone trombone player who masterminded musical debut back in the fifth grade .