I hope everyone does not mistake my silence over the past few days for not being active behind the horn. On the contrary… this is the busiest I have EVER been! This will probably be a long post so bear with me. Where to begin!?

I sat in as a sub in the master class again this past Saturday. As usual — it was good and I learned some things. We had a guest instructor who helped the group play more as a single unit instead of as 7 individuals. He focused on getting us to pay attention to each other and being ready for anything that might be thrown our way. The first song we played was “Freddie Freeloader” which I did fine on — playing my usual style of solo (more on that later). We spent a lot of time on that tune — talking about the results afterwards and what we could do to make it better. We finished with “Up Jumped Spring” but we didn’t play any solos. We just focused on the head and making the arrangement sound good. That was very helpful to me because the week before I spent more time staring at the page than playing. He focused on the horns first (alto, tenor & trumpet) and then rhythm section. This prevented me from hiding behind my lack of knowledge and reading ability.  I had to tackle my weaknesses and at the end I had a much better grasp of how to play it. I left the session very anxious to start with my regular master class group. That kicks off this coming Saturday — no more subbing. I will be starting with this group from the ground up. Now every two weeks I will be playing with the same musicians and we can try to become a tight band with something to say.

A few days before the master class I went over a friend’s house (also a trumpet player) and worked on a few things. I got a sheet with some jazz patterns that I plan to work on regularly to get them under my fingers and into my ears. After going over the patterns a few times we played a few tunes together, trading fours etc. He was impressed with my sound/delivery and because I hold his opinion in high regard – I felt good about what I’ve been doing. I mentioned “my usual style of solo” in the second paragraph — I’m going to really try and branch out and increase my vocabulary. I would like to  see long lines and some scale type runs added.  They may sound rehearsed at first but  eventually I’m hoping to make them as natural as the stuff I’m playing now.  The patterns and some other materials that I have seem to be the way to go. Again, my goal is open my ear and get some different sounds out. I’m also planning to start transcribing a few Chet Baker tunes.

The biggest news is I played my very first solo at church this past Sunday. I knew it was coming a few weeks ago but didn’t mention it because I was giving myself a chance to bail on it if I got chickened out.  I’m happy to say – I went through with it.  I played a free flowing version of “Amazing Grace” on the flugelhorn at the early morning and regular services. It went very well and I’m already scheduled to play another song this coming Sunday (again at both services). I got a lot of compliments on my sound and more importantly — a few people were moved by it spiritually. I even got a phone call from one of the members telling me how much they enjoyed it — that really meant a lot to me. As I sit here, I can think of at least 5 things that I would do differently if I played it again. My biggest concern was playing too loud because it was a song for meditation. As a result I fluffed a few of lower notes but not so much to take away from the overall presentation. I will be conscious of that in the future.  The big thing is air.  I need to really gas up (take a big breath) before starting a line.  I can cross one of my goals for 2004 off the list… actually, if I revisit that list — I may find that I can cross quite a few of them off.

While I’m thinking about it I’d like to thank a few people for their  encouragement to get me to play at church — Kat, Vivian, Chris, Carolyn, Gerald,  Bonnie, Patrick, George Sr. and George Jr.… thanks for your support.  I would  still be playing in the basement if not for your gentle push in the right  direction.

Over the next few weeks/months I may not have a lot of offer in terms of sound files. I don’t think my MP3s offer a true representation of what I really sound like in person. That could be the equipment or it could be me freezing up when I hit the record button. I’m going to go DEEP into the woodshed and work on the right things.  To make that process more relaxed and  positive – I’m not going pressure myself to put up a new recording every few  weeks or month for that matter.  I will continue to record myself but when I feel as though I have made significant progress I will post something new for everyone to hear. There may also be periods where I don’t post journal entries weekly but every other week. Things  are just so busy for me now with regards to playing and if I’m lucky – I will  get even busier!  Between practice to improve, preparation for  playing/performing and my family — time is really tight!

If you are curious about what I’m working on after a few weeks of silence —  don’t hesitate to shoot me a message…. but don’t stop checking the site! I  will still post on significant events or milestones and I will still provide my  thoughts on CDs that I like. Please continue to visit!