I've been doing a lot of listening over the past few weeks. In all honesty –
this is not anything unusual. I listen to jazz while driving to the train
station, I listen to my iPod on the train ride and I have music playing softly
at work (loudly when no one is around). The process repeats itself on the way
home and continues till the next day. I listen mostly because I love music but I
also know that I am getting an education in the process that will eventually
(hopefully) come forth in my own playing.

I listen to a lot of different players but there are some who frequently find
their way into my ears… Donald Byrd, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford
Brown and Lee Morgan dominate my "old school" listening while cats like Terence
Blanchard, Jeremy Pelt, Ingrid Jensen, Nick Payton, Irvin Mayfield and Wynton
Marsalis represent the modern generation of trumpet players (In reality neither
of these groups are old, new or modern. To me, jazz is timeless and exciting
whether is was exciting whether is was recorded yesterday or fifty years ago).
Of the multitude of cats who inspire and baffle me with their brilliance, I am
torn between two all time favorites… Donald Byrd and Terence Blanchard.
I still however find myself in a dilemma. How unique can I (and should I) truly
be?

Terence Blanchard has one of the most unique sounds in jazz. To me, his sound
transcends the instrument that he plays… it really doesn't matter if it is a
trumpet, a sax or an accordion because it is personal and it tells a story. That
is my goal. This is perfectly acceptable for small combo jazz where you are
allowed to be more of an individual. Right now, however, I don't have the luxury
(or opportunity) to play in this format. All of my music is played with large
groups where one is expected to blend in. My concern is if I focus on blending I
will miss the unique sound that I am sure that I have inside.

Just more stuff to think about while playing long tones I guess. The good
news is all of the cats that I mentioned in the above grouping played big band
jazz and still managed to create their own sound. Hopefully I will be blessed
with that same fortune.

Happy Holidays to all!