George Graham

Bill · Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2002 3:30 am Post subject:

Hi George,

Great to see you posting here. I really miss seeing you on TPIN, but things have been a little weird there of late and I've been unsubscribed for a while.

I know I'm just adding fuel to the fire here, but if anyone reading reading this hasn't bought George's CD's you're really missing out. He's got a fabulous sound all over the axe.

Just don't laugh too hard at the picture of him on the liner notes to What About Me? blowing with the goofy hat with earflaps on. What's going on there George?

_________________
Bill Mirrielees
Wilmington NC

Wilmington Big Band
Artistry In Jazz Big Band
Snake Malone and the Black Cat Bone Blues Band

DBLG · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Aug 2002 Posts: 107

Hi Bill: Nobody has ever mentioned the flik with the hat. That
was taken during my Reno years, also my wild years. The hat was knitted for me by an ex-mother in law. I cherish that period of my life as it was then that I was developing my lead
chops while still being able to play jazz. The other one was taken by my son-in-law Matt.

Good to hear from you,

George

Liad Bar-EL · Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2002 9:31 am Post subject:

George Graham's "How about Me?" CD:

http://www.trumpetherald.com/forum/viewtopic.php?topic=5070&forum=12&1

Liad

trumpetdiva1 · Posted: Thu Nov 21, 2002 8:53 am Post subject:

Pops · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2002 9:37 am Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: Pops on 2003-05-13 11:24 ]

Liad Bar-EL · Posted: Tue Dec 17, 2002 5:43 am Post subject:

Just got a note from George Graham who said this about his latest performance.

"The Kubis XMAS
one was 'specially nice and Jack Sheldon was
great as usual. Another good concert was with
the Mike Vax big band. That was a joint concert with three other bands. Bobby Shew,
Buddy Childers and Carl Saunders. A very
nice night for sure. Now I get to put my feet
up and enjoy some quality time with Marilyn."

Liad Bar-EL

mikevax · Regular Member Joined: 18 Dec 2002 Posts: 30

George just played lead in my big band for an amazing night in Los Angeles last Thursday.
The LA jazz institute put on a "Big Band Blast" night. It was four big bands led by four trumpet playing leaders. (Bobby Shew, Buddy Childers, Carl Saunders and me)
It was one of the most exciting big band nights I have ever been a part of.
George was his usual wonderful self. He is truly one of the great players of our time.
We are also eating buddies..............
He can tell you more about that!
Mike Vax

DBLG · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Aug 2002 Posts: 107

Like Mike said the big band night was terrific. We were on first and I
have to say, Mike set a hell of a standard for the other three to play
up to. I couldn't stay but I would have to quess that they probably
did alright though.
Yes we are eating buddies. If any of you ever get a chance to hit a resturant with him, by all means don't pass it up. He is charm
personified and if you really want to expierence his best stuff, pay for
the meal.

GG

Pops · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2002 2:44 pm Post subject:

[ This Message was edited by: Pops on 2003-05-13 11:25 ]

DBLG · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Aug 2002 Posts: 107

It kinda sounded like Ziggy Mendez.
I hope that you're happy and HEALTHY these days. Have a great New Year. Any more when New Year comes I get a feeling of relief. Whew, I made another one.
I hope to see you in May.

Best,

George

Bill · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2002 5:30 pm Post subject:

George,

You've got a great range and a wonderful sound. I wish I could emulate your tone and sound. I'm workin' on it.

Be afraid...be VERY afraid...

Only kidding!
_________________
Bill Mirrielees
Wilmington NC

Wilmington Big Band
Artistry In Jazz Big Band
Snake Malone and the Black Cat Bone Blues Band

Trptbenge · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2002 6:12 pm Post subject:

George does have a great sound. I think he played on the Thomas Crown affair. There were some great Trumpet Solos on that movie. I know he plays a Belcanto Large bore and a 7C mouthpiece. He has a great feel for the music he plays, a great sound and range.

Mike Ackerman
Atlanta, GA.

RNelson · Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2002 9:46 pm Post subject:

Meeting George, Rick, Warren and Don.

Back in September I was booked to play on the Jerry Lewis Telethon with guitarist Esteban. On arriving for the sound check I sat in the studio to check out the layout and quickly realized I would be playing and soloing 20 feet away from George, Rick Baptist, Warren Leuning and Don Rader. This was not my first live national television gig but the first one in which I had to play in front of four greats...cats who I have admired for years. Needless to say, I got very nervous very fast!! Like looking up at Mt. Olympus!!

I went down to the stage to blow a few notes and I hear somebody yelling down, "Yo, fresh chops!" I look up and its Rick Baptist waiving me up to the trumpet section. What was posted earlier is true....nicest guy in the world. I also meet George and Don...also the best cats. They really put me at ease talking gigs, horns, mps etc..., perhaps they could tell I was nervous. After I finished the rehearsal I went back up to meet Warren. George looks at me and says, "Nice job man, grab a chair and sit in." Warren & Rick, "Yeah man, hang out." I was stunned. I know I don't play at their level nor do I think I really impressed them that much. What they did was take a younger cat on a pressure gig and make sure they put him at ease. I was able to really relax and do the job I was hired for after that. True pros and gentlemen......the best!!

Thanks George!!
Ray Nelson

DBLG · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Aug 2002 Posts: 107

Well thanks Mike. Kind words like that are always welcome. Yes you're right, Bel Canto LB and Bach 7C. Funny thing though. Almost
that whole movie was on a Flugelhorn. Yamaha 631 with a Kanstul
bell. They had me in a little booth in back with an 80 piece orchestra
out there for three days. I'm not a jaded type person. That was a real rush. And there aren't enough good phrases in the english language to describe Bill Conti. He's the man.
I did another movie about a year ago with the same kind of setup that
hasen't been released yet. The title is "G" unless they changed the title. That's been done before. I remember a movie entitled "Money
Men" which when it finally came out was called "Boiling Point". I really
hope I didn't miss this last one though. Bill promised me a screen credit. I've never had my name up there on the screen before. It would be cool to see that before I pack it in.
Anyway, thanks again.

Have a good New Year,

George

DBLG · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Aug 2002 Posts: 107

Yo Ray, don't sell yourself short. You sounded great. Thank YOU for
being such a nice gentleman. You have no idea how many jive-asses
we run into. You know what I mean? Legends in their own minds? I
feel very blessed to have been able to know and play with guys of
this caliber over the years. I've known Warren since he was 17 and Rick since he was 19. What a kick to be around while they developed.
Now it's Wayne. I think the best part about it all is that the cruel kind
of competitive-ness was never there. That crap is so counter-productive. Anyway Ray, I look forward to seeing and hearing you again.

Have a great New Year,

George

dbacon · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 8592

Liad Bar-EL · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2002 7:35 am Post subject:

RNelson · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2002 9:51 am Post subject:

Hi George and Dave,

Thanks for the kind words guys. George, I know exactly what you mean. I have told this story to numerous young cats in hopes of getting them to lighten up. How hard is it to be cool and realize we are all on the same team, just trying to make a living doing the thing we love the most! Great to be able to use the best as an example!

Dave, I stumbled on this page while surfing the other day. Great to see you here as well!! Looks like a terrific forum. Try to keep the hat thing under wraps.

LOL

Ray

dbacon · Heavyweight Member Joined: 11 Nov 2001 Posts: 8592

Trumpet Gal · Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2002 11:09 am Post subject:

It's funny that this post should come up right now--because I just recently bought one of his CD's! Man George, I'm loving your jazz ballads!!!!

~Amy~