| Manny,
i'm envious that you see the end coming and can give the proper attention to the final performances you are going to have with the Man.
I'm very lucky to have had the chance to play several concerts with Doc and the Phoenix Symphony during my time in AZ. The time I spent chatting with Doc about my Destino and his trumpet buiilding ventures is something I will cherish forever. And the concerts were always a blast!
I last played with Doc in Phoenix about 2 years ago, and if I had known that that particular concert could have been potentially the last time I was going to get to perform with him, I sure would have taken the time to say thanks to Doc for all the fun I had. My acting position with the PSO ended and I havent had the opportunity to play with him again since.
It was the rush of a lifetime to play trumpet with one of my childhood heroes. I can remember all the times as a kid, sitting in front of the stereo with my trumpet playing cousin, listening to Doc's records and laughing uncontrollably at all the high notes that we wish we could play. As I grew older, it was the emotion and passion in his playing that kept me listening. Now, it's complete RESPECT for a man who is a living icon for the trumpet community and is something that we should all aspire to be.
Thanks, Doc! For the memories, the horn, the inspiration. For Everything! |