TromboneChat

I got a call from another bone player asking me if I was interested in seeing Winton with Jazz from Lincoln Center in a couple of hours. He had tickets he couldn't use, so he gave them to me. Of course I jumped.

The place was packed. The band was hot, just unbelievable. Everything they did was amazing. Elliot Mason and Chris Crenshaw were on bone. A lot of the tunes were original or arrangements by members of the band. I was transfixed the whole time. At the end after all the modern sounds, he trimmed down the band and played some dixieland.

I haven't seen a show like that since I saw Dizzy in Oakland.

Don't let Wynton hear you say "Dixieland".

Winton is one of the all-time trumpet greats. Good that the show was awesome!

I caught the band at the Hollywood Bowl a couple years ago. Amazing show.

Can't call it Dixie anymore? NO, Nola, trad jazz? Whatever.

Winton didn't actually take that many solos. He mainly just spoke from his spot in the trumpet section. When he did play of course he was fantastic, but his band was so packed with amazing talent, and everybody had a chance to shine.

If you get the chance, don't miss his band. Super hot!

Wynton Marsalis always features young talent. I think it may be his personal tribute to Art Blakey, who did the same for him and others in his day. Buddy Rich was another proponent of young talent, and the performances of his big band demonstrated his judgment. Steven Feifke is a younger version of someone who does this today, reinforcing the tradition.

Wynton is an old friend. Our time at Juilliard overlapped by a couple of years, and we played in a brass quintet together. He's younger than I am - he was right out of high school when we met, and I had done some time at Manhattan School of Music before transferring schools - I was almost done with school. As young as he was, he was so smart, articulate and poised. He's a really well-read guy, and is thoughtful and kind. He was never the type to spend time putting other players down, in spite of how good he already was at 17 or 18. I think the fact that he mentors younger players, and features the players in his band more than himself isn't surprising to me. I think he wants to pay back for the opportunities that he got as a young player. Also, he told me once in a recent appearance in Calgary that although he still practices to stay in shape, the Jazz at Lincoln Center job kept him busy with administrative and fundraising responsibilities so he's happy to share the solo spotlight. I'm really happy for his success - I can't think of anyone who deserves it more, both for his incredible work ethic and because he's a really good guy.

Jim Scott

CalgaryTbone wrote: Sat May 02, 2026 4:09 pm ... I can't think of anyone who deserves it more, both for his incredible work ethic and because he's a really good guy.

Jim Scott

That's a cool story. The "good guy" thing really came across during the performance, and was part of the great vibe in the room.

Most of the guys were young, but I think the lead alto player holding court in the center of the front row was clearly a veteran, and the two guys who seemed to share the lead trumpet book. Those two seemed to take turns on high licks. And they had this odd technique of fanning their bells over the top edge of the stand. Kind of looked like a two-headed monster rearing back and taking turns throwing out hot licks. Very interesting way of keeping the lead trumpet book from wearing out, with an odd visual effect.

They're all so amazing. I want to post the Wynton Shreds video as a joke so bad, but I'll abstain.

I want to believe that Wynton has seen that clip and appreciates it. Maybe not.

Elliott Mason is so awesome too!