In 1973 I came to Europe for the first time with alto saxophonist Gary Bartz. The group was an excellent group. We recorded four albums for Orrin Keepnews when he was at Fantasy records, the most famous one being " I've Known Rivers" recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. I wrote one of the compositions for the album entitled "Bertha Baptist". This composition was also record by such musicians as Lee Ritenour and Harvey Mason on their respective albums.

In 1974, I started working with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers through what I call "circumstances". I was still studying contrabass when one day I get call in that memorable tone of voice saying "this is Art Blakey calling, come to the Village Gate tonite to work with me." I said, "with all due respect Mr. Blakey I cannot make the first set because of my concert tonite with the school orchestra." He then said "what's the matter, I'm not good enough for you to play with." I said, "Oh no Mr. Blakey to the contrary, it's just that I have an obligation to do this concert but if you don't mind, I will ask Buster Williams to play the first set and when I finish with my concert with the school orchestra, I will then come to the Village Gate if you agree to this." His response was "Okay".