Charlie Smith's death Feb. 8 deprived Indianapolis jazz of a true original. Jazz fans are obsessive about finding originality in the music, as that's what drives not only innovation, but also the perpetuation of the jazz mystique. Charlie had his own style on the guitar, to be sure, but what was even more impressive is that he had a unique way of talking. He could "go deep" at the slightest provocation, but always managed to sound like a true seeker after knowledge and insight rather than someone trying to impress you. Unfailingly gracious on the bandstand and a good listener in conversation, he nevertheless kept laying upon the world "the Charlie Smith version" of what life and art are all about. And it was a version well worth listening to. His death is a challenge to those who remain behind, trying to figure things out and have a little fun along the way, to make our own versions come up to his intense, searching standard.