To my fellow forum FSM Forum Members,
A sheet of stamps that I got really excited about is this set. USPS had made a joint se-tenant with France and created this Miles Davis/Edith Piaf (MNH) mint not hinged stamp complete sheet. I remember as a youth of course while building kits, my father used to take me along for his musical gigs at night. That Definately stirred my insight into playing Jazz professionally like my dad.
My father was more of a Big Band ensemble trumpet player. He played with the Sonic Glenn Miller Orchestra and Stan Kenton in his career. I remember him playing for Sammy Davis Jr. and real mega-stars like Elvis Presley.
I went a totally different route. The small quintet ensemble jazz is what I enjoyed the best. Improvisation to me was a dream come true, so I studied and practiced hard while still learning from my dad and really got into things when I got the opportunity to play my very first professional gig at the old age of thirteen! Yup! That's what got me started.
I was hired (With the help of my father) in the Sonic Glenn Miller Big Band as the third seat last trumpet player (We all have to start somewhere, Lol) in the band at; "Se' Ci Bon Amour"! Played three 45 minute sets with 15 minute interval breaks in between and got paid $35.00! That's a lot of money for a thirteen year old in 1979 for under 3 hours of work and all the food and drink I could have.
I recall my dads big band was the "Astaire's" named after the actor dancer Fred Astaire! From that point on I was hooked like a crack whore!!!! I joined the musician's union and played every where, on the street, night clubs, halls, dances and large stage performances. By 16 I left home with the blessings of my father and went to the mainland USA.
From there I played with so many musicians far too many to mention here and traveled around the world. My biggest gig was in Europe at Live Aid with a band called the Abrams Brothers. Whimbley Stadium and Saint Andrews, Scotland were the biggest stages I've ever played in. Can you imagine standing in front of a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people. That was BIG!
Returning home many years later to care for my father, whom died at 58 years old. I decided to start a family and settle down. Now that I'm a grandfather, my goal is to gain strength, reorganize my mind, and possibly be back at my stride and return to the stage to play.
Many years ago, after my work related injury (TBI) has been a slow but steady road to heal, with the help of such fantastic and great friends/family here at FSM Forums, I'm ever gracious and blessed to be a member here at FSM Forums. You've all helped me and my family so much and I have nothing but love and thank you to all of you.
Your friend's, Toshi and Ezra
