I had to figure out how to survive in New York, and most of my time was occupied in getting an apartment and getting money. A lot of older jazz guys looked out for me and found me gigs and places to stay.
Trumpet players see each other, and it's like we're getting ready to square off or get into a fight or something.
I didn't want to get that ring around my lips from practicing the trumpet, because I thought the girls wouldn't like me. So I never practiced.
I got my first trumpet when I was six years old, from Al Hirt. My father was playing in Al Hirt's band at that time.
The nerves are a problem on trumpet, because when you mess up everyone can hear it. Just remember most people are too polite to say anything about it. That should calm your nerves.
The heart of a music is its rhythm. The heart of rhythm section music is the rhythm.
