This week I had my first rehearsal with the swing band in months. As beneficial as my last few months woodshedding were – there is nothing like fellowship with other musicians. I had an absolute blast. We had a full trumpet section and I was the odd man out. I was pretty much content to sit back and listen but they insisted that I play with them. That made me feel good. They sandwiched me between the first and second trumpet players (both amazing musicians) so I got nothing but good sound in both ears. It was great. We did a version of Nora Jones “Don't Know Why” that was awesome. It was simple but very clean and to the point. I predict this will be a crowd pleaser when the group performs it live. I think I did pretty good playing. I see an improvement in my tone, range and reading – it's small but it is definitely there. Right now I just lack the confidence, which will come in time.

We all get motivation from different places. Listening to jazz and good trumpet players on a regular basis motivates me. I listen at home, on the drive to work, at work ? even when I?m bowling! It has become the soundtrack of my life and I can?t think of a better way to live. Some people think I?m gung ho about this? maybe a bit unrealistic. I can?t argue that point. How many people do you know start playing trumpet and in three months get one tattooed to their arm?? That?s what I did. Doing that is almost like signing a contract to play for the rest of my life. I will look like a complete fool if I give it up now? not to mention every time I see it ? it reminds me that I need to be practicing!

I did more recording today – I uninstalled Cubasis and went back to good old “Music Creator” by Cakewalk. I plan on going back to Cubasis but I need to buy another soundcard. I re-recorded “Sing Soweto” and I recorded “The Girl from Impanema” but this time I used the Flugelhorn. I think it came out pretty good. Interesting enough – my very early version of that song sounds like it was played on flugel but it was actually trumpet! I am finally at a point where the two instruments sound distinctly different. That?s the way it is supposed to be? right?