Some albums are great music. Others are pivotal in our own personal history. For me, J.J. Johnson’s 1993 release Let’s Hang Out was one of those albums. I did not know it then, but that record would connect me to those world class musicians in ways I never could have imagined.

The Album That Started It All

J.J. Johnson was one of the best jazz trombone players who ever lived. He was there with Frank Rosolino and Bill Watrous. There were many others who were great, but J.J. and Frank were considered the best jazz trombonists of all time, period.

J.J. Johnson had recorded many albums over the decades, and in 1993, J.J. Johnson released Let’s Hang Out. It was a trio with J.J. on trombone, Terence Blanchard on trumpet, and Ralph Moore on tenor saxophone. The rhythm section was also handpicked by J.J. and outstanding.

When the CD came out, I played it constantly. The solos were incredible. I knew I needed to learn more about the young trumpet player and sax player. If J.J. thought enough of them as players to record with him, they must be the next generation of heavy weights in the jazz scene.

For me, this was one of J.J.’s contemporary jazz albums. It felt like a natural progression in jazz styles from prior, and it sounded amazing. It was also the first time I had heard Terence and Ralph. I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams that one day I would meet each of them in a completely different and incredible way.

1996: J.J. Johnson at the Playboy Jazz Festival

Fast forward to 1996. I was at the Playboy Jazz Festival, and J.J. was about to perform. During the concert, it was announced that Ella Fitzgerald had just passed away, which was completely unexpected. As J.J. stepped out onto the stage, he played a ballad, just himself with no band He performed one of my favorite ballads from this CD called Beautiful Love, as a tribute to Ella. The audience was silent. It felt like we were watching a piece of jazz history unfold in front of our eyes.

After his set, I walked down to the side of the stage. A short fence separated the public area from the musicians area. At first I could not see J.J., I did see the great bass player, Rufus Reid. He smiled and waved towards us. (Please check out his website here: https://rufusreid.com/)

Soon after, I spotted J.J. heading to his trailer. I called out, hoping for a chance to meet him. A crew member heard us and asked if we wanted to meet him. Within moments, J.J. stepped out to greet us. He was kind and genuine. I asked if he would be able to take a picture with me, and he said yes. As we walked to an open spot, he put his arm around me and smiled. He was so kind and genuine. I could not believe I was standing next to the greatest trombone player that ever lived. The same person who I listened to on so many albums, over and over again. It was one of the highlights of my entire life. Just to note, the person taking the photo of J.J. and me would later become my Wife. Yes, she married a musician.

While I was talking with J.J. I asked him if he could write a book about all the jazz experiences he had. He was living history. He played with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and everyone through the 1940’s 1950’s was still playing to this date. J.J. replied with a chuckle, “Write a book?” he said. Yes, that would be awesome if he did someday.

I did not bring the Let’s Hang Out CD insert for him to sign, as I did not image that I would actually get the chance to meet him. But we were lucky and I was able to have an awesome moment with J.J. and a photo with him. There is a lot more to this story, but we will save that another time.

1998: Terence Blanchard at the Blue Note

It’s now 1998, I was on tour in New York and had a rare evening free. I saw that Terence Blanchard was performing at the Blue Note. This jazz club is one of the most famous jazz clubs around the world, and I may never have a opportunity like this to hear Terence play live in a small intimate jazz setting.

When I arrived at the Blue Note, I saw several black SUV’s pull up to the front entrance and someone exited with security. I found out later it was the President of Argentina who was in attendance. This made it kind of cool, to be at the Blue Note in New York, with so much happening, and with such an alive atmosphere.

It was after Terence’s first set, and during intermission when I had an opportunity to meet him. I asked if he could sign my Blue Note program for that evening, and told him how much I loved his solos on J.J.’s Let’s Hang Out CD. He thanked me and said recording with J.J. was a wonderful experience.

The Tonight Show: Meeting Ralph Moore

Later that year, our band had its second Tonight Show TV appearance. This Tonight Show appearance was the kick off to another tour which started right after we finished the show. This performance was a bit more stressful for me than the first. I had very little sleep the night before and I also had a solo to play that I had to nail a high Db. Even with all of that, it was still very exciting to be performing live on the Tonight Show.

What made this particular appearance so special, besides the obvious, was that the lead trumpet player in the Tonight Show band was also a close friend, Chuck Findley. Chuck is a world famous trumpet player, and coincidentally, brother-in-law to my trombone teacher, the famous Slyde Hyde. Slyde recorded with everyone, from the Beatles to SuperTramp, including being Frank Sinatra’s lead trombone player. More to come later regarding Slyde's influence in my life.

After our band did sound check, Chuck asked if I wanted to hang with him and the sax player in their Tonight Show dressing room. I said that would be cool. It was so surreal to be hanging with Chuck at The Tonight Show, in their dressing room. What made this event next level, if there could even be a ‘next level’ was that their sax player was Ralph Moore. Yes, the same Ralph Moore that recorded with J.J. Johnson and Terence Blanchard on Let’s Hang Out CD.

It was so cool hanging with Chuck and Ralph. I was so happy to have something relevant to talk with Ralph about, that being, his work work with J.J. and what was it like to record with J.J.? Ralph was so humble and gracious in his response. I was listening to him and thinking, this is what I need to strive for. To be the best I can possibly be, while also being as humble and thoughtful of other people, as Ralph was being with me. Then it just hit me, I got to meet all three musicians on that played on the CD. All three world class jazz musicians.

I just have to mention their dressing room, it was the coolest of course. Very mellow lighting and a very nice lounge vibe. It felt so relaxing and nice, but also a little intimidating, as Chuck was treating me as a equal and a close friend.

Slyde and I were like family, so Chuck also made me feel very welcome and a part of the family every time we met. I knew I had to play especially well, because Chuck would be listening and I did not want to disappoint him.

So after our performance and getting to visit with Jay Leno, everyone advised our second Tonight Show appearance went very well. I also felt my solo was in the pocket and that I achieved my goal for this day.

Full Circle

So without knowing any of these events were going to happen, I got to meet all three wonderful musicians and people on the Let’s Hang Out CD. Each meeting was from a completely different and unique situation, and all three became a very special moment in my life.

More of this story to continue.