BinSB

He was one of the nicest human beings I ever met. Never gossiped or spoke critically of other people, was never into acidic humor, very cheerful and an extremely classy man. Yet, he wasn't a softie type -- he knew who he was -- knew how good he was --played the way he wanted to play, was never in your face about it.

He was a great inspiration to so many young musicians and beloved by his contemporaries and those who played in his bands. My own teacher, Benny Baker, taught in Montreal and he told me about Maynard when he was still very young and playing in Canada only. He told me that Maynard could play anything he wanted...period. Could be a classical player -- symphony player -- just a fabulous talent.

As two young bucks, we were band mates on the Charlie Barnet Band, along with Ray Wetzel, John Howell and Rolf Ericson in the trumpet section. We played in London, Ontario while on tour and Maynard and I were at this big beautiful ballroom very early. Maynard wanted to be ready for his Canadian audience, and I, because I wanted to practice and couldn't afford dinner that night. I heard him do a Maynard warm-up for close to two hours. It was astonishing and I can still hear it whenever I need to or want to.

It will always be for me one of the most incredible displays of trumpet playing I have ever heard. Just the two of us -- I was so privileged to know him, to hear him, to be with him.

He will always be with us trumpet players. Always.

'Doc'

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Bernadette Hilario
Doc Severinsen Orchestras
www.docseverinsen.com