Reflections on Maynard's impact on me upon hearing of his passing - Page 2

08-25-2006, 09:01 AM

Sad news indeed. When I was in high school, we used to wait eagerly for the annual event at Rolling Meadows HS, get our tickets, then drive the hour to get there...a car full of testosterone laden HS trumpeters. Not only was he our idol (our top six trumpeters had high G's), but he brought us together as trumpeters, cocky and brash teenage wannabes. I remember our lead player leaving his wedding band's business card on Maynard's mouthpiece at intermission! He gave us goals, and provided a purpose for bonding as musicians and young men.

wilcox96 · 08-25-2006, 10:35 AM

I also want to thank you, Nick for sharing your story. You never have to be apologetic for sharing anything here man... Yours have always been some of the most insightful and "humble" posts on any of these sites...

That said...I will start with my own "apology"...because I'm going to share a Maynard memory.

Back in the early 70's (as others have described)...and in the height of the power big band/rock/MF Horn album days.... Maynard "did" do all those tours to High Schools and such. He came to little old Alton, Illinois. 3 or 4 times!!! (this along with Buddy's band, Thad Jones, Woody, etc....amazing). Now, I will say that our music program was obviously progressive and vibrant. I suppose we all owe a debt of gratitude to our educators then who saw fit to have these bands visit our town.
As others have said...Maynard would hold sectionals with his band...and all the students could be there and even play right along with his guys. Not to mention the awe over Maynard, but these guys in the band were just as heroic to us as they were the guys on the records!!! WWOWOWOWOWOW! (funny...I've later gotten to work with many of these alumni...and it still tickles me to be in their presence).

Anyway... Maynard was always so cool. To do those sectionals, hang with the students and still go do an amazing concert that night.. wow. When I was in Junior High, I remember the first time he came (and this was true of all the times), the HS jazz band played first as an opener. (nerving, anyone? hahaha). Then, near the end of Maynard's concert...he brought them on stage to play Hey Jude along with his guys. Many of Maynard's players would stroll out to the audience and stand in the aisle to continue to play. 2 things I'll never forget...watching those HS kids turn every shade of red/purple/blue trying to hang in there on the repetitive ending choruses of that tune...and having Lin Biviano standing right next to me in the aisle blazing away. Maynard? Wild hair, big white teeth and all...was an absolute god. He was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. The way he talked...everything. I sat there with an old, bulky cassette recorder (these had just come out and I was able to get a cheapo one). I had that thing in my lap and got the whole show. It sounds terrible...horrible quality...and I even remember me yelling in exuberation when Biviano was next to me....haha. Embarassed by this, I erased those yelps on that tape so it sounds like a mess of audio hiccups. I am sure I still have those tapes...this will surely make me dig them out.

Anyway... ramble, ramble. I thank my parents, the educators (of which, by the way...my dad was one of) for the opportunity to see this legend so many times. Incalculable was the impact that had on me...and the other musicians in attendance.

Corsair · 08-25-2006, 10:50 PM

Some of my first dates with my wife were to see Maynard at the Prom Center in St. Paul. She even drew me a portrait of him from his Chameleon album in high school. And she painted the 1st couple of bars of the same song on a wall in my room at home. He will always be a part of our lives as the main influence in my playing trumpet. Through 28 plus years of being together with my wife, Maynard's trumpet has always been a presence in all of the places we called home.

We never met the man, but his influence I didn't even realize until this eve was instrumental in my wife and I becoming the team we are today. It's hard to put into words. Sorry for the rambling.

Kurt J

dstrad · 08-26-2006, 01:13 AM

Great reflections by Nick D. I was traveling for business in New Orleans when I saw Maynard's obituary in the paper. It hit me right in the stomach. Needless to say, I was distracted all day. I first saw Maynard when I was 13 back in 1977. My father, who is a trumpet player, took me to see him perform at Fairleigh Dickinson Univeristy. My father told me how he used to cut classes at Julliard to go see Maynard perform at Birdland back in the 50s. That concert was an incredible experience and I listened to him nonstop until I saw Maurice Andre perform at the Harms Theater in Englewood NJ and fell in love with classical music. Even though I have focused mostly on classical music in my playing and listening for many years now I know that his playing had a profound impact on how I approach playing trumpet. He was fearless and passionate. He poured his soul into every note he played.

The funny thing is I have recently been reaqauinting myself with his music. I love his solo playing on What's New from Stan Kenton's Easy Go album. I almost went to see him at the Blue Note a couple of weeks ago but I just couldn't get away from work and family. I listened to Swinging for Schuur in tribute to him on my drive home from the airport tonight.

I will always be a huge fan.

God bless him and his family. May he rest in peace.

Doug Fine

NickD · 08-26-2006, 09:04 AM

My original post was more a set of reflections upon hearing of Maynard's passing. I have a set of "memoirs" at the UK Brass Forum in an article I wrote at Adrian's request. Another post here promoted this particular memory.

That having been said, the other night my wife and I were talking about Maynard's passing and we were recollecting the time I played at Rolling Meadows High School with him. The night before he had just met my young wife at the Center East Auditorium in Skokie. He was a perfect gentleman and she got a real kick out meeting someone so famous upclose and personal. Maynard knew I had only been married 6 months when I took the gig, so he was very cool.

Well, in the course of the conversation it came out that she was certainly going to be at the Rolling Meadows concert, so it was arranged for her to have a good seat. At the Rolling Meadows concert, during the intermission, the boss caught up with me in the locker room which was set up as the 'green room' and asked, "Hey, Drozdoff! You, uh, played a lot of Latin Music, have yah?" Heck yeah! " I responded. "I been playing a 'Sonora Tropicale' for a long time before I got the gig. "Ok," said Maynard, "On Latino Lovewalk, just follow my lead, ok?" He then chuckled and with a pat on the shoulder walked away. I had no idea of what he was up to. I was SOOO naieve at 27!

Ok, we get on stage and opened the second set with Lation Lovewalk - a salsa oriented mambo with a big blowing section in the middle. The Rolling Meadows High School concert was a huge event in the Chicago area. For a band to get booked there was quite a feather in the cap, as this was pre-Chicago jazz festval. For me to get to play there with one of my heroes was a thrill, but I wasn't prepared for what happend next. We played the head and then went into the extended solo section. I think one of the saxes started. As he was playing Maynard turned around, pointed at me and with a move remeniscent of Morpheus in the Matrix, motioned for me to come out front. I walked out, in a mild state of shock, and Maynard whispered in my ear "Ok, well, each play a couple of solos, then well trade 8's for a while. Oh yeah, when you play use the gold mic - THAT'S the hot one!" He smiled and then we went into it. I wasn't going to just get to play with the M.F.O. at Rolling Meadows - I was going to get to trade solos with him! Man, I thought if I was excited at my first gig with Mayanrd, this night was enough to make me giddy!

We went nuts for who knows how many choruses. To say it was a thrill would be an understatement. Maynard had concoted the whole thing as a treat for my new bride and a surprise for me. He seemed sorta touched by our situation - separated by the road so early in or marriage, but he sensed we understood the situation and this was a little reward for that.

This is one of the most significant moments in my musical - aw heck - my entire life. If I close my eyes I can see every thing that happened as though it was happening right now.

I have to scour my studio. I have a bootleg recording of THAT concert! A buddy of mine managed to pull this off. I wont say who, but when Maynard introduced me (as the illigitmate son of Adolph Herseth, my wife reminded me! I told you, he cold be like a kid horsing around onstage - a part of his charm!) I heard this guy scream out NICK! I recognized the voice.

He was at my wedding. Interestingly enough is was almost 20 years later when someone from Seattle sent me a copy of the tape. He didn't tell me what was on it! I was stunned, but plesantly so.

So this should give you an I idea of what I mean. Yeah, I just did the three tours, but every tour had moments like this. If I was impacted like this, can you imagine how guys like Stanley or Alan or Wiest were touched? OK, Steve is my cousin, so I have a direct feel for his experience, but you know what I mean!

It's Saturday AM. We had some family challenges yesterday, but all is well this AM. I had a long jazz gig last night - REALLY good bread to play be-bop, hard bop and fusion all night (ah that they all could be this way). I got through my first week of school by finishing my classes with the 'trumpet and bubble demo - shocking my kids by whipping out my trumpet and screaming high Gs and double C's as loud as I can possibly play while blowing a soap bubble with my trumpet bell and asking them to explain the phenomenon. In short, I got through the week and past the shock of a jazz legend's passing. Life goes on. I feel a lot better this morning. I feel more like I can do what I originally mentioned - celebrate his life and music.

If you want to read more, I just found out that some folks who know me here didn't know about this article. Feel free to follow the link. It has a bit more meaning for me now.

http://www.brass-forum.co.uk/Article...rdFerguson.htm

Peace, all!

stchasking · 08-26-2006, 01:26 PM

Nick,

I immediately went to the UK jazz forum link and read your article. You have written an article that expresses great insight. Only we past and present trumpet players know of your inner emotions in writing the words so well.
We share the emotions with you as though we were there. And, we are there in spirit whenever we listen to Maynard.

I want to thank you for the time and inspiration you used to honor such a great memory as Maynard.

I will be at the tibute in St. Louis.

James King
Saint Charles, Missouri.

gzent · 08-27-2006, 05:03 PM

I just got home from a short vacation in the north woods and got the news.

So sad. He was a hero to so many young trumpet players, including myself.

I can't think of any other single musician that inspired so many young players for so many years.

Rest in Peace, Maynard, you always will be "The Boss"!

Greg

rktjok · 08-28-2006, 11:46 AM

When I was 16 I drove 55 miles to my first Maynard concert in Lawrence KS. You were supposed to be 21 but somehow they let us in and then WOW!
I went to see Maynard play everytime he got anywhere close to where I live.

Two years later my high school (Truman High School, Independence MO) chapter of Modern Music Masters was looking for a fundraiser. My mom helped me contact Maynard's agent and we set a date for a concert. We rented an 8000 seat auditorium, sold advertising, printed programs. Everything was set and when Maynard's roadies and band rolled into the RLDS Auditorium in Independence I was waiting. I introduced my self to several of the band members as they came in. I watched them move in, set up and warm up for a sound check for the concert that night. (One thing I forgot to tell you, if you haven't already guessed, I'm a trumpet player.) I was blown away. Here I was in this huge auditorium listening to his orchestra blistering through some tunes. One of the band members asked me what I played and I told them trumpet. I told them that I had played many of his arrangements. (My high school Show Band played several Maynard songs.) They asked if I had my horn and I told them it was in the car. They told me to go get it. I ran and got it and warmed up a little. They asked me what part I played and told them lead and first trumpet. So I got up on the risers with the trumpet players and they asked what I knew and told them Chameleon. We played the entire song. Lots of smiles, pats on the back and then they asked what else I knew. We played Gospel John and then MacArthur Park. Most of these tunes Maynard directed except for jumping in for the stratospheric parts. When we finished the whole orchestra was smiling and clapping and looking at me. Then Maynard said "You're good kid."
I was on cloud nine. I then heard someone continuing to clap. I looked out into the auditorium and saw my mom still clapping. She is the only one that can verify this story but it is true. I was the band president and after the concert I went on stage and gave Maynard a gift to remember us by. Everyone began to leave and followed the band members offstage. Maynard was already on the bus. I asked if one of them could get me an autograph. They said "Sure, go on up he will give you one." I got to go on the bus and there was Maynard laughing, drinking water. When I approached he gave me a big smile and told everyone on the bus "Hey, this kid can play." He autographed a t-shirt and concert poster I took off the wall at a previous gig.
I still have them. (BTW, we raised of $11,000 for our club.)

Years later after I got married, my wife was not familiar with Maynard. I heard he was playing with his Big Bop Band Noveau at Blue Springs(MO) High School and immediately bought tickets. She was blown away. After the gig I went down a hallway to get back stage. Somehow no one stopped me and I took my wife to meet Maynard. He was laughing and talking to band people back stage when I approached. I introduced myself and my wife and quickly relayed the above story. He said "Yeah, I remember that. That place had great sound. Wish we could play in places like that all the time." We shook hands and I thanked him for his time.

When I read that Maynard had passed the first thing I did was pray for him and then called my mom and told her. She is only person that I can share my big experience with. Thanks for reading. God Bless!

wilcox96 · 08-28-2006, 02:33 PM

Nick.....

I think you either must have posted sections of that article in the past, because - as I was reading it - a few sections were very familiar to me. I "am" glad I took the time to read the article in it's entirety, as it is a terrific reflection of your time on the band...along with the events leading up to and afterwards. Quite frankly, I "was" smiling while reading it...as you hoped in your closing thoughts. It's just a great story. You got to live out a trumpeter's dream. Awesome stuff....

The point of all this is to reflect on Maynard...his passing...memories...his music..etc. However, just wanted to say thanks again for taking the time to put all this down for us to read. This was terrific to check out.. and I encourage all who come across this thread to do so.

P.K.Bloo · 08-28-2006, 11:10 PM

Wow, what a bummer! One would have thought that MF would have just kept playing forever! Very sad...

My first exposure to MF was much like Bigtiny...Freshman year and the band director was playing the Chameleon album on the reel-to-reel (ask your folks, kids. LOL). We had already played "Give It One" (marching band version), but I had yet to HEAR Maynard. I was hooked! Fan club, posters, albums, you name it!

Fast forward 3 years to 1978. Maynard was performing just up the road from me at the Iowa Weslyan College, Mt. Pleasant auditorium....a MUST-go to say the least! Just AWESOME! To hear the man in a recording was one thing, but to see AND hear him was incredible! It was as if he just held the horn and (huge) sounds came out with no effort at all. Just being in the same room with him was an honor!

Many greats have gone before MF, but he was my hero. My most heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and close friends and to all those who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. Maynard will be greatly missed...

08-25-2006, 10:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
wilcox96 Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: charlotte nc Posts: 506	I also want to thank you, Nick for sharing your story. You never have to be apologetic for sharing anything here man... Yours have always been some of the most insightful and "humble" posts on any of these sites... That said...I will start with my own "apology"...because I'm going to share a Maynard memory. Back in the early 70's (as others have described)...and in the height of the power big band/rock/MF Horn album days.... Maynard "did" do all those tours to High Schools and such. He came to little old Alton, Illinois. 3 or 4 times!!! (this along with Buddy's band, Thad Jones, Woody, etc....amazing). Now, I will say that our music program was obviously progressive and vibrant. I suppose we all owe a debt of gratitude to our educators then who saw fit to have these bands visit our town. As others have said...Maynard would hold sectionals with his band...and all the students could be there and even play right along with his guys. Not to mention the awe over Maynard, but these guys in the band were just as heroic to us as they were the guys on the records!!! WWOWOWOWOWOW! (funny...I've later gotten to work with many of these alumni...and it still tickles me to be in their presence). Anyway... Maynard was always so cool. To do those sectionals, hang with the students and still go do an amazing concert that night.. wow. When I was in Junior High, I remember the first time he came (and this was true of all the times), the HS jazz band played first as an opener. (nerving, anyone? hahaha). Then, near the end of Maynard's concert...he brought them on stage to play Hey Jude along with his guys. Many of Maynard's players would stroll out to the audience and stand in the aisle to continue to play. 2 things I'll never forget...watching those HS kids turn every shade of red/purple/blue trying to hang in there on the repetitive ending choruses of that tune...and having Lin Biviano standing right next to me in the aisle blazing away. Maynard? Wild hair, big white teeth and all...was an absolute god. He was the coolest thing I'd ever seen. The way he talked...everything. I sat there with an old, bulky cassette recorder (these had just come out and I was able to get a cheapo one). I had that thing in my lap and got the whole show. It sounds terrible...horrible quality...and I even remember me yelling in exuberation when Biviano was next to me....haha. Embarassed by this, I erased those yelps on that tape so it sounds like a mess of audio hiccups. I am sure I still have those tapes...this will surely make me dig them out. Anyway... ramble, ramble. I thank my parents, the educators (of which, by the way...my dad was one of) for the opportunity to see this legend so many times. Incalculable was the impact that had on me...and the other musicians in attendance. __________________ Brad Wilcox NYTC Endorsing Artist Stage 1 California Light w/Rose Brass Bell Bach Strad Flugelhorn GR Mouthpieces http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com...rad-wilcox.htm http://trumpetland.ning.com/profile/BradWilcox

08-26-2006, 09:04 AM	#15 (permalink)
NickD Mezzo Forte User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago northern suburbs Posts: 826	More... My original post was more a set of reflections upon hearing of Maynard's passing. I have a set of "memoirs" at the UK Brass Forum in an article I wrote at Adrian's request. Another post here promoted this particular memory. That having been said, the other night my wife and I were talking about Maynard's passing and we were recollecting the time I played at Rolling Meadows High School with him. The night before he had just met my young wife at the Center East Auditorium in Skokie. He was a perfect gentleman and she got a real kick out meeting someone so famous upclose and personal. Maynard knew I had only been married 6 months when I took the gig, so he was very cool. Well, in the course of the conversation it came out that she was certainly going to be at the Rolling Meadows concert, so it was arranged for her to have a good seat. At the Rolling Meadows concert, during the intermission, the boss caught up with me in the locker room which was set up as the 'green room' and asked, "Hey, Drozdoff! You, uh, played a lot of Latin Music, have yah?" Heck yeah! " I responded. "I been playing a 'Sonora Tropicale' for a long time before I got the gig. "Ok," said Maynard, "On Latino Lovewalk, just follow my lead, ok?" He then chuckled and with a pat on the shoulder walked away. I had no idea of what he was up to. I was SOOO naieve at 27! Ok, we get on stage and opened the second set with Lation Lovewalk - a salsa oriented mambo with a big blowing section in the middle. The Rolling Meadows High School concert was a huge event in the Chicago area. For a band to get booked there was quite a feather in the cap, as this was pre-Chicago jazz festval. For me to get to play there with one of my heroes was a thrill, but I wasn't prepared for what happend next. We played the head and then went into the extended solo section. I think one of the saxes started. As he was playing Maynard turned around, pointed at me and with a move remeniscent of Morpheus in the Matrix, motioned for me to come out front. I walked out, in a mild state of shock, and Maynard whispered in my ear "Ok, well, each play a couple of solos, then well trade 8's for a while. Oh yeah, when you play use the gold mic - THAT'S the hot one!" He smiled and then we went into it. I wasn't going to just get to play with the M.F.O. at Rolling Meadows - I was going to get to trade solos with him! Man, I thought if I was excited at my first gig with Mayanrd, this night was enough to make me giddy! We went nuts for who knows how many choruses. To say it was a thrill would be an understatement. Maynard had concoted the whole thing as a treat for my new bride and a surprise for me. He seemed sorta touched by our situation - separated by the road so early in or marriage, but he sensed we understood the situation and this was a little reward for that. This is one of the most significant moments in my musical - aw heck - my entire life. If I close my eyes I can see every thing that happened as though it was happening right now. I have to scour my studio. I have a bootleg recording of THAT concert! A buddy of mine managed to pull this off. I wont say who, but when Maynard introduced me (as the illigitmate son of Adolph Herseth, my wife reminded me! I told you, he cold be like a kid horsing around onstage - a part of his charm!) I heard this guy scream out NICK! I recognized the voice. He was at my wedding. Interestingly enough is was almost 20 years later when someone from Seattle sent me a copy of the tape. He didn't tell me what was on it! I was stunned, but plesantly so. So this should give you an I idea of what I mean. Yeah, I just did the three tours, but every tour had moments like this. If I was impacted like this, can you imagine how guys like Stanley or Alan or Wiest were touched? OK, Steve is my cousin, so I have a direct feel for his experience, but you know what I mean! It's Saturday AM. We had some family challenges yesterday, but all is well this AM. I had a long jazz gig last night - REALLY good bread to play be-bop, hard bop and fusion all night (ah that they all could be this way). I got through my first week of school by finishing my classes with the 'trumpet and bubble demo - shocking my kids by whipping out my trumpet and screaming high Gs and double C's as loud as I can possibly play while blowing a soap bubble with my trumpet bell and asking them to explain the phenomenon. In short, I got through the week and past the shock of a jazz legend's passing. Life goes on. I feel a lot better this morning. I feel more like I can do what I originally mentioned - celebrate his life and music. If you want to read more, I just found out that some folks who know me here didn't know about this article. Feel free to follow the link. It has a bit more meaning for me now. http://www.brass-forum.co.uk/Article...rdFerguson.htm Peace, all! __________________ NickD "Free Online Lessons in Extreme Trumpet Playing" http://www.nickdrozdoff.com http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com/ http://www.myspace.com/nickdrozdoff

08-26-2006, 01:26 PM	#16 (permalink)
stchasking Forte User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,369	Nick, I immediately went to the UK jazz forum link and read your article. You have written an article that expresses great insight. Only we past and present trumpet players know of your inner emotions in writing the words so well. We share the emotions with you as though we were there. And, we are there in spirit whenever we listen to Maynard. I want to thank you for the time and inspiration you used to honor such a great memory as Maynard. I will be at the tibute in St. Louis. James King Saint Charles, Missouri. __________________ "I was performing professionally at age 17 and have never had a real job." Allen Vizzutti http://cdbaby.com/cd/mcking

08-27-2006, 05:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
gzent Forte User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Rochester, MN Posts: 1,515	I just got home from a short vacation in the north woods and got the news. So sad. He was a hero to so many young trumpet players, including myself. I can't think of any other single musician that inspired so many young players for so many years. Rest in Peace, Maynard, you always will be "The Boss"! Greg __________________ Harmony and understanding Sympathy and trust abounding No more falsehoods or derisions Golden living dreams of visions Mystic crystal revalation And the mind's true liberation

08-28-2006, 11:46 AM	#18 (permalink)
rktjok New Friend Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1	My Maynard experience... When I was 16 I drove 55 miles to my first Maynard concert in Lawrence KS. You were supposed to be 21 but somehow they let us in and then WOW! I went to see Maynard play everytime he got anywhere close to where I live. Two years later my high school (Truman High School, Independence MO) chapter of Modern Music Masters was looking for a fundraiser. My mom helped me contact Maynard's agent and we set a date for a concert. We rented an 8000 seat auditorium, sold advertising, printed programs. Everything was set and when Maynard's roadies and band rolled into the RLDS Auditorium in Independence I was waiting. I introduced my self to several of the band members as they came in. I watched them move in, set up and warm up for a sound check for the concert that night. (One thing I forgot to tell you, if you haven't already guessed, I'm a trumpet player.) I was blown away. Here I was in this huge auditorium listening to his orchestra blistering through some tunes. One of the band members asked me what I played and I told them trumpet. I told them that I had played many of his arrangements. (My high school Show Band played several Maynard songs.) They asked if I had my horn and I told them it was in the car. They told me to go get it. I ran and got it and warmed up a little. They asked me what part I played and told them lead and first trumpet. So I got up on the risers with the trumpet players and they asked what I knew and told them Chameleon. We played the entire song. Lots of smiles, pats on the back and then they asked what else I knew. We played Gospel John and then MacArthur Park. Most of these tunes Maynard directed except for jumping in for the stratospheric parts. When we finished the whole orchestra was smiling and clapping and looking at me. Then Maynard said "You're good kid." I was on cloud nine. I then heard someone continuing to clap. I looked out into the auditorium and saw my mom still clapping. She is the only one that can verify this story but it is true. I was the band president and after the concert I went on stage and gave Maynard a gift to remember us by. Everyone began to leave and followed the band members offstage. Maynard was already on the bus. I asked if one of them could get me an autograph. They said "Sure, go on up he will give you one." I got to go on the bus and there was Maynard laughing, drinking water. When I approached he gave me a big smile and told everyone on the bus "Hey, this kid can play." He autographed a t-shirt and concert poster I took off the wall at a previous gig. I still have them. (BTW, we raised of $11,000 for our club.) Years later after I got married, my wife was not familiar with Maynard. I heard he was playing with his Big Bop Band Noveau at Blue Springs(MO) High School and immediately bought tickets. She was blown away. After the gig I went down a hallway to get back stage. Somehow no one stopped me and I took my wife to meet Maynard. He was laughing and talking to band people back stage when I approached. I introduced myself and my wife and quickly relayed the above story. He said "Yeah, I remember that. That place had great sound. Wish we could play in places like that all the time." We shook hands and I thanked him for his time. When I read that Maynard had passed the first thing I did was pray for him and then called my mom and told her. She is only person that I can share my big experience with. Thanks for reading. God Bless!

08-25-2006, 09:01 AM	#11 (permalink)
Dave Guest Posts: n/a	Sad news indeed. When I was in high school, we used to wait eagerly for the annual event at Rolling Meadows HS, get our tickets, then drive the hour to get there...a car full of testosterone laden HS trumpeters. Not only was he our idol (our top six trumpeters had high G's), but he brought us together as trumpeters, cocky and brash teenage wannabes. I remember our lead player leaving his wedding band's business card on Maynard's mouthpiece at intermission! He gave us goals, and provided a purpose for bonding as musicians and young men.

08-26-2006, 01:13 AM	#14 (permalink)
dstrad New Friend Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 34	Great reflections by Nick D. I was traveling for business in New Orleans when I saw Maynard's obituary in the paper. It hit me right in the stomach. Needless to say, I was distracted all day. I first saw Maynard when I was 13 back in 1977. My father, who is a trumpet player, took me to see him perform at Fairleigh Dickinson Univeristy. My father told me how he used to cut classes at Julliard to go see Maynard perform at Birdland back in the 50s. That concert was an incredible experience and I listened to him nonstop until I saw Maurice Andre perform at the Harms Theater in Englewood NJ and fell in love with classical music. Even though I have focused mostly on classical music in my playing and listening for many years now I know that his playing had a profound impact on how I approach playing trumpet. He was fearless and passionate. He poured his soul into every note he played. The funny thing is I have recently been reaqauinting myself with his music. I love his solo playing on What's New from Stan Kenton's Easy Go album. I almost went to see him at the Blue Note a couple of weeks ago but I just couldn't get away from work and family. I listened to Swinging for Schuur in tribute to him on my drive home from the airport tonight. I will always be a huge fan. God bless him and his family. May he rest in peace. Doug Fine

08-28-2006, 02:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
wilcox96 Mezzo Piano User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: charlotte nc Posts: 506	Nick..... I think you either must have posted sections of that article in the past, because - as I was reading it - a few sections were very familiar to me. I "am" glad I took the time to read the article in it's entirety, as it is a terrific reflection of your time on the band...along with the events leading up to and afterwards. Quite frankly, I "was" smiling while reading it...as you hoped in your closing thoughts. It's just a great story. You got to live out a trumpeter's dream. Awesome stuff.... The point of all this is to reflect on Maynard...his passing...memories...his music..etc. However, just wanted to say thanks again for taking the time to put all this down for us to read. This was terrific to check out.. and I encourage all who come across this thread to do so. __________________ Brad Wilcox NYTC Endorsing Artist Stage 1 California Light w/Rose Brass Bell Bach Strad Flugelhorn GR Mouthpieces http://www.newyorktrumpetcompany.com...rad-wilcox.htm http://trumpetland.ning.com/profile/BradWilcox

08-28-2006, 11:10 PM	#20 (permalink)
P.K.Bloo New Friend Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 12	Wow, what a bummer! One would have thought that MF would have just kept playing forever! Very sad... My first exposure to MF was much like Bigtiny...Freshman year and the band director was playing the Chameleon album on the reel-to-reel (ask your folks, kids. LOL). We had already played "Give It One" (marching band version), but I had yet to HEAR Maynard. I was hooked! Fan club, posters, albums, you name it! Fast forward 3 years to 1978. Maynard was performing just up the road from me at the Iowa Weslyan College, Mt. Pleasant auditorium....a MUST-go to say the least! Just AWESOME! To hear the man in a recording was one thing, but to see AND hear him was incredible! It was as if he just held the horn and (huge) sounds came out with no effort at all. Just being in the same room with him was an honor! Many greats have gone before MF, but he was my hero. My most heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and close friends and to all those who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. Maynard will be greatly missed...

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