I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Phil Myers for over 20 years. We’ve played together on countless recording sessions in New York, as well as playing together on my Brass Nation and New Brass CDs. It’s very easy to admire and be in awe of Phil’s virtuosity, but in a business that doesn’t always reward candor and honesty, Phil’s openness has been equally impressive and inspiring. Phil has dealt with every aspect of what it is to be a principal wind player in a major symphony orchestra. I am very grateful to him that he generously shared his knowledge and emotions in this interview.

—Michael Davis

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About the artist:

Phil Myers joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal French Horn in January 1980 and made his solo debut with the Orchestra that month in the premiere of WilliamSchuman’s Three Colloquies for French Horn and Orchestra. Phil began his orchestral career in 1971 as principal horn of the Atlantic Symphony in Halifax, Nova Scotia and followed that with positions in the Pittsburgh Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra. Phil Myers plays Engelbert Schmid French horns.

I have known and worked with Dave Taylor for over 25 years. Safe to say, we’ve had our ups and downs over the years and haven’t seen eye to eye on very many things. That said, we’ve done a lot of great playing together over those years and in the process, I’ve learned a great deal from Dave. He has forged one of the most distinguished careers ever by a bass trombonist. I have the utmost respect for his accomplishments and contributions to the brass world. I hope you enjoy this open and honest interview.

—Michael Davis

Hip-BoneMusic

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About the artist:

Dave Taylor has performed and recorded with everyone from Pierre Boulez to Thad Jones, Duke Ellington to the Rolling Stones, Miles Davis to Quincy Jones, Frank Sinatra to Leopold Stokowski, and Gil Evans to Barbara Streisand, to name just a few. He is active worldwide as an internationally renowned soloist and has commissioned a myriad of solo works for the bass trombone. In addition to his prolific work as an instrumentalist and soloist, Dave Taylor is on the faculty of both the Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Reichenbach at the Eastman School of Music in 1982. He came back to school as a guest artist when I was a student and was already one of my heroes. His virtuosity and consummate musicianship continue to inspire all who are fortunate enough to work with him or hear him play. I had the pleasure of collaborating with Bill on three CDs, Bonetown, New Brass and Brass Nation. His presence took those projects to a level they would not have attained without him. Like they always say about basketball legend Larry Bird, Bill simply makes everyone around him better. It was a treat to talk with Bill about his incredible career. Enjoy!

—Michael Davis

Hip-BoneMusic

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About the artist:

A virtuosic instrumentalist, gifted composer/arranger, inspired educator and dynamic conductor, Bill Reichenbach’s illustrious career has spanned an impressive four decades. Bill moved to Los Angeles in 1975 and has since played on over 900 records, 600 motion picture soundtracks and countless TV shows and jingles. He has recorded with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Al Jarreau, Earth Wind & Fire, Aerosmith, Toto, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, the Yellowjackets and Leonard Bernstein to name just a few. He has penned arrangements for HBO, Fox and Showtime, among others.

I had the distinct pleasure of being the guest artist at this year’s Brass Bash at the New England Conservatory in February. In addition to working and performing with the very talented students of NEC, I was extremely privileged to perform one of my pieces with the BSO trombone section, as well as performing my Trombone Institute of Technology with Jim Markey. Days later, I’m still jazzed from the opportunity to play with these great artists. Toby, Steve and Jim are off and running as they begin to form a dynasty section in Boston. The next time you’re in their fair city, treat yourself to a BSO concert and hear some of the finest low brass playing anywhere on the planet.

—Michael Davis

Hip-BoneMusic

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About the artist:

The Boston Symphony Orchestra trombone section is comprised of Toby Oft, Steve Lange and Jim Markey. Within the span of 5 years, these 3 virtuosi replaced the legendary section of Ron Barron, Norm Bolter and Doug Yeo and have already begun to establish their own elite status. All three are supremely talented instrumentalists, soloists, clinicians and educators. Active worldwide as solo artists and chamber musicians, they all hold positions at the famed New England Conservatory of Music.

I have had the incredible pleasure of working with the great Phil Smith on numerous recording sessions in New York, as well as many of my Hip-Bone Music projects. Every time I hear him play, I feel totally inspired and gain a sense of clarity about what a brass instrument should sound like. He possesses, without question, the finest trumpet sound I have ever heard. His virtuosic musicianship is not limited to his sound. His sense of pitch, rhythmic feel and musical flexibility are simply as good as it gets. It is a humbling experience to work with someone as great as Phil, but fortunately for all of us who have, he is also a consummate gentleman and makes everyone around him feel good musically and personally at all times. I’m honored that he took the time to share his thoughts about his extraordinary life and career.

—Michael Davis

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About the artist:

Phil Smith is the preeminent orchestral trumpet player in the world today. He was appointed co-principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic by Zubin Mehta in 1978 and assumed the principal position in 1988. He is a graduate of the Juilliard School and while a student there, was appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra by Sir Georg Solti in 1975. Mr. Smith appears regularly throughout the world as a soloist, recitalist and clinician. An avid brass band enthusiast, he has been guest soloist with numerous bands, including Black Dyke Mills.

Meeting Chris Botti for the first time in 1984, I had the distinct impression that he was destined for greatness. Chris is one of the most inspiring, intelligent, driven and talented individuals I have ever known. Working with Chris has made my own career better than it could have been without that association. He’s a trailblazer in everyway and continues to forge ahead with arguably the most successful career in the history of brass playing. I am grateful to Chris for sitting down with us this month to discuss his incredible vision, motivation and musicianship. I hope you enjoy this inspiring and energizing interview..

—Michael Davis

Hip-BoneMusic

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About the artist:

Chris Botti is the #1 selling jazz artist in the world today. He has had three #1 selling jazz albums on the Billboard chart, he has received a cluster of Grammy nominations and has sold over 3 million albums worldwide. He has toured and recorded with everyone from Sting, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Herbie Hancock, Steven Tyler, Yo Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, David Foster and Joni Mitchell, to name a few. Through the release of his 12 solo albums, Chris Botti has established himself as one of the most important and innovative figures of the contemporary music world.

I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bob Mintzer for over 25 years. Simply stated, he is one of my heroes. I will never forget hearing the first incarnations of Bob's big band at Seventh Avenue South in the 1980s. They were some of the most electrifying and inspiring nights of music I have ever experienced. Bob continues to inspire all who hear him and are fortunate enough to play his music. I am honored and grateful to have been a member of his big band for the past two decades. It was a pleasure to sit down with Bob last month to discuss his incredible career and his approach to music and life. Enjoy!

—Michael Davis

Hip-BoneMusic

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About the artist:

Bob Mintzer is the quintessential musician's musician. A virtuoso instrumentalist, internationally acclaimed composer/arranger and inspiring educator, Bob brings new meaning to the term triple threat. He has been a member of the Yellowjackets for over 20 years, lead his own Grammy award winning big band for 30 years and has recently assumed the position of Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Bob has penned hundreds of big band and small group compositions, as well as authoring nearly 20 books. His recording and touring credits reads like a who's who and includes Art Blakey, Jaco Pastorius, Gil Evans, Buddy Rich, the New York Philharmonic, James Taylor, Queen and Donald Fagan.