One of my favorite configurations for jazz is the 5-piece combination: a rhythm section with me and a trumpet player. I think some of the jazz greats had the same affinity. The rhythm and blues guys had the same idea, but sometimes with an organ and a guitar instead of a piano and bass. Either way, five is a good number.
It occurred to me one day that maybe it was time for a concert. After all, the jazz greats did that all the time. Maybe it was time for me to step outside all of the books and exercises, and play…
Drew (on trumpet) was the fifth part of Five-of-a-Kind that night. A local school provided the auditorium and, probably, I gave away too many free tickets.
Among trumpet players, Drew brought his own special flavor to the mix.
Some years later, I learned of his experience with the after-life…
The early reports said he had electrocuted himself and arrested while he was shaving. The CPR by his wife and the paramedics brought him back. Drew had a different story.
He said, as he approached the ‘Pearly Gates’, he noticed Louie, Diz, Clifford, Lee, and Miles, hanging out and ready to offer a verdict. As he drew closer (no pun intended), he could see them all shaking their heads slowly, side to side, sometimes sharing looks of surprise with each other at Drew’s arrival.
As the story goes, Drew began to worry. He knew he had been good, but couldn’t understand the collective reaction of his heroes, their gentle laughter adding to the confusion. Finally, someone spoke. I think it was Lee, his main hero…
“You’re not getting in here. Not now. We’ve heard you play. You’re going back. Practice. Learn. Play. Come back again when you are ready…and tell that saxophone player he needs work too…”
So, Drew would return.
It’s hard to get into Heaven…