If you are like me, I have had it with all the name calling, mud throwing and character assignations going on in the race for the White House. We have finally hit the lowest level in our countries history when speaking of the the next occupant to the oval office. We have two candidates with apparently the lowest moral fiber ever to run for this esteem position. Even the Republican Party cannot support their offering and most on the Democratic side of the isle have distanced themselves from their candidate. WE HAVE NO QUALIFIED PERSON RUNNING FOR THE PRESIDENCY OF…

I’m sure that I have your attention at this time for a statement like that should raise the hackles on any musician worth their weight in valve oil. For several months I have had the pleasure of performing with an exception troupe of actors (actresses) from New York who every day amaze me with their ability to “sell” there lines. Each performs at an amazing consistency and polished level of their art which humbles me when comparing it to the mere notes I play during each show. Some may question my enthusiasm for these talented performers and some may even…

Much can be said about evolution. Darwin had his revolutionary views and even though he was wrong, he was still able to voice his opinion. In the same vein, I will present my hypothesis as to the evolution and decline of music as we know it today. It is my hope that my thoughts on the history of music will also, in time, be proven incorrect. All living forms tend to follow the same path, i.e., birth, development, increased knowledge and productivity, maturity, lessening of productivity, decline, and eventual death. So do non-living things follow the same pattern, i.e., creation,…

If Ray Charles ever played trumpet, this is how he would have sounded.

If you happen to be in the Branson area in the next few months, be sure to visit us at “The All Hands On Deck Show” at the Dutton Theater on the strip. Stop by and hear the only “Live Big Band” in Branson with real horns!

Problem Solved. After going through the arsenal of trumpet mouthpieces I have collected through several decades, I finally stumbled upon one which has been shelved for more years than I can remember; my old Purviance 5*K4. Today I played the first half of the show on my usual Bobby Shew Jazz mouthpiece and the second half on my old 5*K4 and my old standby saved the day again. Every note in the middle range which was covered by the lead trumpet playing in his high range finally cut enough to make balancing the two parts perfectly. Tonight I will now…

I pride myself as a very competent second chair trumpet player. Making this confession does not come easily for declaring that you are comfortable being a “second chair player” is against all trumpet player’s egos. But, as I told Mr. Bobby Shew one day, “we are the players that make you guys sound good”. Be sure to read my earlier post entitled “How To Become A Better Second Chair Trumpet Player”. Last season I was playing the lead chair in our show