THOUGHTS

This page is specifically designed for me to share with you a few of my most memorable musical experiences. Every year is the year of the trombone! Now that I’m retired, I have extra time to get out in the world to participate and witness more live music performances. I cannot ever recall seeing more great purveyors of the slide. Here are some of the highlights from my phenomenal spring! Stay tuned for more updates!

This guy just blew my mind! Nick Finzer is an incredible artist! I saw him at the Nash in Phoenix with two buddies who fly out every March for Spring Training. His show was brilliant and featured Mike Kocour - piano, Chris Finet - bass and Dom Moio - drums. His originals were especially terrific! His playing is NYC edge with a cool demeanor! You can find him on the Jazz Faculty at the University of North Texas. If you are a trombone player, you NEED to know this man!

This fine gentleman is at the top of jazz world in New York and Houston! He plays lead trombone with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and is the founding Artistic Director of Jazz Houston. His versatility is unmatched! His performance at the Sam Houston State University Bill Watrous Jazz Festival just floored me! Bop to plunger he swings like there’s no tomorrow! It was an honor to meet him!

Andre Hayward has been a hero of mine for a long time. He also was a featured guest artist at the Sam Houston State University Bill Watrous Jazz Festival. His gospel style sound was inspirational to me. He is from Houston and is the product of some of that city’s finest educators including Doc Morgan from H.S.P.V.A., Sam Houston alum Bob Odneal and the legendary Conrad O. Johnson. I was blown away by his beautiful big sound on his large bore f-attachment.

Sean Nelson plays in the U.S. Coast Guard Band and the U.S. Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band. In addition, he is staff arranger for the concert band and music director and lead trombonist for the Guardians Big Band. He currently works as the arranger for Sam Houston State University's Bearkat Marching Band, writing new shows each season. He played lead with us in the SHSU Alumni Jazz Band at the Sam Houston State University Bill Watrous Jazz Festival. He went to Sam Houston and also The University of North Texas where wrote and performed with the famed One O’Clock Lad Band. His use of electronic enhancement of the horn was just stellar!