[TPIN] Al Hirt

[Perales, James]

Thanks to the fellow TPINers who recently recommended Jazz Player Radio.
I've been listening to it for the past few weeks and have been exposed to a whole bunch of players I hadn't heard before. This is a great resource and radio station. 
I got a kick out of the comment from one of the station's commercial that said, "Because Kenny G sucks!", that was harsh,... but very funny.

Just about a day or two ago I heard someone play a song I hadn't heard before with a real fat gorgeous tone I checked to who it was and wasn't surpised to see it was Al HIrt playing Danny Boy.

I really wish Al had played more straight ahead jazz and bop instead of so many (just my opinion) "daffy" tunes.
The guy really was a "Round mound of sound". There is power and presence in his playing that is just amazing.
Even in some of the silly songs such as Fancy Pants, he takes of and it sounds so good.
I love Wynton and Hargrove, but I also think Al had something very special.
I wish I'd met him while he was still here with us.

BTW, is there any trumpet player out there today, (I know this is going to be relative,..), 
who plays jazz or other and has that "mound of sound" quality to his playing?

Sincerely,
James P.