I feel that much respect should be given to all players who have helped pave the way to the music that we enjoy today. On a popular trumpet website that I used to frequent (USED to because I won't anymore after today), someone actually questioned whether Freddie Hubbard should still be playing or not. It really got under my skin. Perhaps it is because I have been listening to a lot of Freddie lately and I know enough about what he has done for jazz trumpet to give the man the respect he deserves — then and more importantly now. I also have a feeling that even now he has MUCH to say through the bell of his horn and anyone with a clue will hear it when they listen. Maybe I am being overly sensitive but honestly – I really don't care. Hub is still the man in my book and I will go out and listen to him if he ever makes his way to my area. I know that even if he isn't in his prime – there is much to be learned from him and his playing.

To me, it is much like Tiger Woods giving respect to guys like Jack, Arnie, Byron Nelson and Lee Elder for what they did. Without those men it is pretty safe to say Tiger would not be playing golf at the level that he is today. Can he beat the pants off of them even if they are hitting from the senior tees? I think so — but he respects (and understands) the game enough to know that it goes WAY beyond scores and 300 yard drives. Just as trumpet playing goes way beyond double Cs and 32nd notes played in a blur.

Maybe it is in a trumpet player?s nature to brag and boast. Maybe we're supposed to tear down other players if they are not doing everything perfectly. If that is a requirement to be a trumpet player I will put this horn down right now and pick my sax back up. If sax is the same way – hand me a tin flute.

Fortunately I know that all players are not like this. Clifford Brown – one of the deadliest trumpet players ever was also the most humble off the stand. When I become the player that I want to be I will follow his example.