When I read books about the great jazz masters of the past – there are tales of experienced musicians reaching out and helping the younger cats with everything from learning licks to making modifications to their instruments. I often wished I was taking up trumpet playing back then so I could take advantage of that same generous spirit. I have come to realize that this same spirit is alive and well in 2003. I've gotten so much advice, support and encouragement from other players via my website and it is greatly needed and appreciated. One in particular stands out this week…

I have been reading a biography about Terence Blanchard called “Contemporary Cat”. In it, they describe Terence's playing early in his career with Art Blakey and Donald Harrison. I was interested in hearing these recordings but could not find any of them in CD, tape or vinyl format. I placed a message on the Trumpet Herald website and got several good leads. Of all the leads none was more generous than that of Larry Smithee. He wrote and told me that he had all the recordings I was looking for (AND some that I wasn't aware of) on vinyl. Since he no longer played them, he shipped them to me for free, happy to know that someone was going to enjoy them.

I just want to take a moment to thank Larry. I firmly believe that a love and appreciation for music is present in the hearts of all good people. Thanks for proving me right Larry.

It?s been a great practice week for me. I am thinking of writing down the different routines that I work on and check off the ones that I have completed for the day and take notes of any revelations. This will allow me to see what I?ve been neglecting and need to spend more time on. I always worry that I?m missing something. One of my fellow trumpet players on the Herald does this for his Caruso routine and I can see where this attention to detail could be helpful.