[TPIN] A tribute by to the late Maynard by "Doc"

[RRW1951 at aol.com]

This is beautiful.  I don't remember seeing it
over the last two weeks on tpin, so it may be
equally "new" for many of you.  It was sent to me
by my friend who works at the New England Conservatory 
of Music Library.

Richard Waddell

**********

Thought many of you would enjoy this tribute by to the late Maynard by
"Doc"

If there's anyone you know out there who might enjoy this, the feel free
to send it on.

It appeared on the Music Library Association listserv, today.

Patrick H. Maxfield
Head of Technical Services
New England Conservatory of Music Libraries
290 Huntington Ave.
Boston MA 02115
(617) 585-1256
(617) 585-1245 (fax)

pmaxfield at newenglandconservatory.edu



>From the Desk of Doc Severinsen 

About Maynard

He was one of the nicest human beings I ever met. Never gossiped or
spoke critically of other people, was never into acidic humor, very
cheerful and an extremely classy man. Yet, he wasn't a softie type. He
knew who he was, knew how good he was, played the way he wanted to play,
was never in your face about it.

He was a great inspiration to so many young musicians and beloved by his
contemporaries and those who played in his bands. My own teacher, Benny
Baker, taught in Montreal, and he told me about Maynard when he was
still very young and playing in Canada only. He told me that Maynard
could play anything he wanted...period. Could be a classical player,
symphony player just a fabulous talent.

As two young bucks, we were band mates on the Charlie Barnet Band, along
with Ray Wetzel, John Howell and Rolf Ericson in the trumpet section. We
played in London, Ontario while on tour and Maynard and I were at this
big beautiful ballroom very early. Maynard wanted to be ready for his
Canadian audience, and I, because I wanted to practice, and couldn't
afford a dinner that night. I heard him do a Maynard warm-up for close
to two hours. It was astonishing and I can still hear it whenever I need
to or want to.

It will always be for me one of the most incredible displays of trumpet
playing I have ever heard. Just the two of us -- I was so privileged to
know him, to hear him, to be with him.

He will always be with us trumpet players. Always.

~Doc