Musical employment can take many forms. Some musicians spend their careers in symphony orchestras. Some make a living performing in theaters in New York and Las Vegas, and some may find employment on the road with big bands. In each case, the thrill and sometimes disappointment is worth all of the hours and day one has spent in practice rooms around the country, and world. One segment of music which seldom is talked about is the working studio musician, and one of the best was Mr. Don Thomas.
I have written previously about this trumpet legion but recently I came across a video which I would like to share with you. My contact with Don was not as frequent as I had hoped but from the few times we spent together in local recording studios in the Dallas, it was obvious to me that I was seated next to a “monster”; to use a well know term of respect in the commercial music world.
Studio musicians are unique in that they are technically and musically at the top of the food chain. They are known for their precision, high level of reading skills and punctuality. With the large amount of money being spent on commercials, film scores and live performances is on the line, only the best will get the call to show up for the gig, and Don was always at those important functions; capable, cordial, and always on time (both by the clock as well as the metronome).
While viewing this video, I was reminded of the excitement, camaraderie and sheer pleasure of spending time with these wonderful studio musicians.
