Thanks Dave, great to see you at Keystone. It was a bitch arranging this for a 10 piece band particularly since I was scared that I wouldn't do it justice. It means a lot that you like it. I'm off to Prague for Christmas. Hopefully see you when we get back. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Fred, you are so very welcome. We do it for folks to share and enjoy. Thanks for both.

I believe the recording by Sonny Fortune on the album "Awakening" was the original. It was from the mid-1970's.

Sonny Fortune 1975?

Original Triple Threat: Sonny Fortune 'Awakening 1975' (Horizon Label) With the Great Charles Sullivan on Trumpet !!😀😀

If you like, I can scan the piano part for you. I'm pretty sick right now, but in a few days.

@@BillWarfieldJazz Very outdated, but would it be possible to get this piano part, if you have it by any chance? I've been trying to get my hands on any score/part for years and would love the chance to get it

@@CarlosMontes-yc1nh I just recorded it last year. I think it sounds as fresh as the day he wrote it. I was studying with him at Towson State when he wrote it.

@@CarlosMontes-yc1nh I'll see if I can find the outdated piano part.

Thanks Whitney

Thank you. The kids do a great job, peppered with a few local pros who like to play. also one or two ringers from my NY studio band. That's the makeup.

Well, since I write most of the arrangements and since I've been in the business of big bands for 45 years, I respectfully disagree. I think Maria Schneider, John Fedchock and several others would as well. I know that Thad Jones, Gil Evans as well as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, who frequently stepped out from behind the piano to conduct would as well. And in this instance, when 75% of the band is comprised of non-music major students, it is essential to have a conductor. We are not a road band that plays the same set hundreds of times a year. We get one shot at these concerts. Certainly a trio, quartet or quintet, but removing a conductor from in front of a big band means that you can't have the spontaneity that makes Jazz jazz. You know like open solo sections with improvised or cued backgrounds. But you may have a personal problem with conductors so I'm not actually interested in arguing with you. You probably don't like being told what to do, apparently you are drummer. You are entitled to your opinion. I've worked with drummers that need a conductor to play a bar of 4/4. Not saying you do, but I'm not sure what big bands you've worked with, maybe you play for this Jazz big band in Philly that I played for "for several years" one night, then I get it.

I think he might be the conductor. You see, sometimes in large musical groups comprised of people who actually read music it is necessary to have someone in front of the band "cueing" (preparing the musicians for a written entrance or other musical event) and directing beginnings and ending of tunes. Conducting is an industry term.

Coilhead Brown Thank you,

Or blind stupidity. This is the best I've managed to play it. Thanks for acknowledging the insanity of my moment.

You are one of my heroes Donald. I hear of you being in NYC from time to time. I would love to meet you and shake your hand someday

I am Jim Smith, a jazz lover and live sound guy here in the Phoenix area. Hope you guys will be touring in this area soon! The local NPR station plays your music all the time! Blaise Lantanna is in charge of programming at KJZZ 91.5!

spectre56j Hey Jim, wow that's great to hear. Thanks so much for the feedback. I'd love to come to Phoenix to play. It is prohibitively expensive. We do currently have an Indiegogo campaign called "Trumpet Story" designed to raise money to provide matching funds for tour support. If you would like to contribute or know people who would it's the first step to getting these guys on the road. Just go to Indiegogo. If not, just thanks for taking the time to say hi. If we do get there, we'll hang. Bill

Thanks for the info Bill! I will pass it along! Hope to see your upload of "Alter Ego" soon. I know traveling is a financial hassle to get the whole show on the road! Jim

Not yet.

Bill Warfield I heard your music on NPR station here in Phoenix! I am an instant fan! Such class and true professionalism! My favorite is your version of "Speak Like a Child" so very uplifting!