playing music is like sharing your soul
with someone. telling someone your life story – walter blanding junior
these guys are just amazing. I mean, they’re probably the
best in their trade throughout the world (maybe not counting wynton?), but when you actually engage with them, you
realise they’re just as human. that eager willingness
to do that unique handshake, to learn our names, to wave at you first before
you even see them. I’ve totally never expected them to be such down-to-earth. and walter! who
would have thought that one of the world’s best tenor saxophonists would
actually request for individual practice with him?! as further proof that I’m
not exaggerating, I’ll mention this little anecdote: a couple of months ago, I was
flipping through a book about jazz greats at kino,
and who should I see inside, but wess anderson?! I remember my first thought was: he’s not even
dead – what’s he doing inside?! and after listening to
him play in the flesh, I realise why. why he’s the
lead player in the great LCJO. he’s absolutely
fantastic. and marcus. how bad can you get if you’re a leading trumpeter in wynton marsalis’ band?!
true, the admin and pr work was pure madness, but I’d
guess weighing it on a whole would make the whole thing worthwhile. heck, even the well-deserved scoldings
from the cfa administration. I’m really glad I’ve
managed to learn so much from the lincoln trio – and for
that, I thank them here – wess (warmdaddy)
anderson, marcus printup, and – my personal idol – walter
blanding jr.
okie, I’m getting nauseous
writing on the bus in a drunken state. should stop
here.
dejectium out
16 august 2003
0257 hrs gmt +8
on a NR bus
added later:
I’m
really glad to learn so much non-musically too. the
logistical nightmares behind the scenes. working alone
with no assistance and yet still having to make sure all goes clockwork in the
presence of ever-eccentric musicians. I’m real glad I survived through it all,
despite the numerous times I felt like just giving up. it’s
all paid for when I see the pure joy on the Trio’s faces when they see us. the ecstatic looks on the people’s faces during the
sectionals with walter. the
genuinely wistful look on marcus and walter when they had to leave at changi.
the eagerness they have to come back again to see us
next year. the enthusiasm with which they signed
autographs. the inspiration which rubbed off on us. the high when we received the standing ovation at an
overflowing chijmes.
all these made the work worth it.
dejectium out
20 august 2003
2249 hrs gmt +8
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