Don’t worry, it all works out a few choruses later.
In 2018, I was finally getting comfortable on the baritone saxophone as my primary instrument. I had sold all of my other gear, I had been playing in both large and small ensembles in a variety of settings, and I was getting booked for some of the shows coming through the Ottawa Jazz Festival.
I was called to be in the horn section for Jerry Granelli’s festival show, alongside Petr Cancura and Ed Lister. Jerry was touring the festival circuit with Robben Ford, Bob Lanzetti, and J. Anthony Granelli, and they would be playing selections off of Jerry’s recording, Dance Hall.
Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to play with these master musicians (and really great hangs, too). Soundcheck went great, we talked through the charts, did a little playing, and then we grabbed some food.
I can’t remember if the quartet without horns played a tune or two before the horn section, but I believe that they did.
I distinctly remember being in awe of the sound that Jerry was getting from the drums. I’m not sure that I’d ever seen someone play with so much conviction…and that shuffle felt to good…and the comping with the soloist…and…and…and…I was lost in his playing.
Then, during the tune, Caledonia, Robben Ford turned around and passed me a solo, but I didn’t hear him, I was in my happy place – surrounded by a rhythm section who’s groove took me somewhere else. Then Jerry tried to get my attention, and Petr started playing a tenor solo.
A few choruses later, I ended up getting my pass over the blues and ended up playing a few others that night, and it turned out to be a great gig with some amazing musicians, playing really fun music.
It also became the night that I learned to always pay attention, no matter who is playing.
Have you ever played with any musicians who left you in awe during the gig?