I remember nearly 3 years ago getting the news from a fellow trombonist who worked with me selling Chevys. I retreated to my car and listened to some Maynard music. The tears came later at the computer with the tributes that came pouring in. I cried when I read that my friend Jimmy tried to play his trumpet and couldn't because of the tears. I cried over the story of Kristie B and Maynard's kindness to her father. And the most emotion came from hearing of a father who had purchased tickets for himself and his 11 year-old trumpet playing daughter. The tickets had been purchased months in advance. That story caused me to bawl like a baby. I had the greatest time in 2004 taking my son Keith at age 11 to hear Maynard. He loved the show and we spent some great time with Ed( he recognized my name!),Reggie and Carl Fischer. That man's sorrow of a night long anticipated that would never happen-it broke my heart right in two.And now my son is going into his Sr. Year. The band show is Birdland-Gospel John-and Country Road. And Keith will be featured playing his ST 302 MF Horn. I thank my lucky stars that we had that moment together seeing OUR Hero. Every time Maynard came in on a high G -even if Pat was already on that note-little Keith grinned at me and posted an enthusiastic "thumbs up." As the years have passed I've taken him to see and enjoy Walter White,Dennis Noday,Roger Ingram and Matt Gallagher. He actually remembers them much better because these were his high school years. He also knows who was the Greatest of All. I am Blessed because of a magical night in March of 2004. And I am blessed with an appreciation that spans over 80% of my 51 years.There can never be another like Maynard Ferguson.

Last Edited By: matt burgess Jul 30 09 12:02 AM. Edited 1 times.