Reputations

As could be expected trumpet players (and for that matter musicians in general) have friends in various cities in the music business. I keep in touch with some of my fellow trumpet players and they are presently residing in Canada and the United States.

Most recently I heard from a bunch of guys in Vancouver and they had been keeping in touch by reading the anecdotes I've had posted. They sent me this story about a fellow trumpet player (Jerry not his real name)  in that area that is somewhat of an egotist. I haven't heard of him but could relate to this guy's mannerisms.

Jerry, the guy they referred to was considered to be a bit of a "blow-hard" with a bad habit of name dropping.  According to them he was a competent trumpet player and had just gotten a contract to represent a prestigious trumpet manufacturer.  He was on the road doing clinics and promoting that company's product. Because of the travel involved in his new job, he was now out of the mainstream jobbing picture.

A bunch of musicians had gotten together and were discussing the music scene in that city. Jerry was there with these musicians and was enjoying a cup of coffee and the casual banter. 

Somewhere in the conversation our overbearing Jerry asked, "Who's the lead trumpet player in Vancouver now that I have left?"  What? (He must have considered himself the top of the heap.)

The guys recounted,  "Good God.. who the hell does he think he is?" They couldn't believe he would ask such a self serving question. How does one answer such a ridiculous pronouncement.

Generally lead trumpet players are considered the top players if they are doing television specials (if there are any) and any significant recordings and other high profile events. They are considered to possess above average skills for all of these demanding gigs. I've heard recordings from the west coast (Vancouver) and there are some very good players in that area. In fact... Exceptional players.

The truth of the matter they divulged, no one was aware Jerry had left town or what he was doing.  No one cared and a lot of them said they were glad he wasn't around. Blow-hards can be quite obnoxious at times. I guess it takes all kinds.

Jerry was never considered the top dog there except as they say being "a legend in his own mind." 

Well this kind of attitude couldn't go unchallenged and besides in a backhanded way he was demeaning several of these trumpet players that were listening.   

One of the guys had a reputation to take up arms against such people and lay down the gauntlet.  He decided to take a strip off this would-be "super star."

He made up a name.  He said "There is a new guy in town Jimmy Cristle from Los Angeles. He's been to Julliard School of Music in New York and he's considered the top dog these days. You wouldn't believe how good he is." He's getting the cream of the work.

Really going after this guy's ego he continues, "My Lord, has this guy got chops". Double C's and even Triple C''s." (All things Jerry wanted to possess.) The bunch of fellow trumpet players could see that these glowing reports about Jimmy were really depressing this self-proclaimed status seeker.

Jimmy Cristle did not exist.  

Jerry  was really destroying himself as his adversary piled on the accolades about the newcomer.

"Yep. Everyone is talking about Jimmy. He's got a big sound. Plays lead strong and decisively like Al Porcino and Jazz like Conte Condoli."

"I heard " he continued " Arturo Sandoval used him on a gig one day when Arturo had the flu. Jimmy is a great guy." and he continued further trying to make a point...

"He's quiet and unassuming. Everybody is really impressed with his ability. He's the total package."

" I saw him on a Jazz special on CBC Television the other day. Wow! Can this guy play."

It's too bad that people demean themselves with such self-aggrandizement. I personally believe that the Good Lord spread the talent around.  There is always some player somewhere (you never heard of ) that plays very well and is exceptional .  You shouldn't take yourself this seriously. You can't conclude that you are the only one that can play.

Well, now that Jerry's ego was pulverized one of the listeners recounted the strange events some time later.  He remarked, "He's so full of it... I wonder how he can eat."

I guess Jerry didn't make any friends that day. 

Web space donated by Encore...The Concert Band www.encoretheconcertband.ca