I finally got uptown to Minton's. I was subbing in the New York Classics Band.
There were many old buddies in the band. Warren Smith led the band in place of Jack Jeffers. Jack is on tour with a Duke Ellington band. Warren is a walking music monument. In college he played in a Harry Partch ensemble. Warren moved to NYC and played with Janis Joplin, he was her band leader. He played with Max Roach in M'Boom, Gil Evans band, Sam Rivers and.......The New York Jazz Gang. The group that paired the two kids, Ed Carroll and Wynton Marsalis.
Let me talk about the trumpet section. Mac Gollehan, Junior Vega and Kevin Louis. This is a section of seriously ........."SHUT YOUR MOUTH"............ guys
I played the low chair. On one tune Mac held a double C for two choruses. Junior Vega is equally strong. I would have paid to hear this section.
Now let me talk about Kevin Louis. This young New Orleans player, played most of his solos on cornet. His voice is one of the freshest that I have heard in a long, long time. He has assimilated the masters of the past and has come up with a fresh new thing. Watch this guy!
I hope they ask me back. The band is there every Monday Night
Wilmer