[Dixielandjazz] An Al and Maynard story

[Custode at aol.com]

Growing up, I listened to all of the trumpet greats.  But, the three  that I 
most admired were Doc Severinsen, Maynard Ferguson and Al Hirt.  To  me, these 
were the best trumpeters ever.  
 
Fast forward to the early eighties.  Al Hirt was in town at the  Tralfamadore 
Cafe (in Buffalo, NY).  My wife and I were seated right  smack dab in the 
middle, front table unobstructed.  I watched in  amazement as one of my trumpet 
idles played a quartet jazz gig.  What  was billed as a Dixieland concert, 
turned out to be Al with a piano,  bass and drum trio.  What a great show.  He 
played with  passion and technique, all in a great traditional jazz style.   

During the show, I looked at the stage to discover that there were no  doors 
separating the audience from the performers.  It was only a matter of  time 
before I decided to get back there after the show.  One way or  another, I was 
determined to meet my idol!  And, that is exactly what I  did.  I simply snuck 
back stage, made a sharp turn and almost  ran right into Al Hirt...literally.
 
I introduced myself to him and he was very gracious.  We spoke about  many 
things, mainly shop talk.  That is when he mentioned that he had  played in the 
Dorsey band; sitting next to Maynard Ferguson for a  while.  As the 
conversation naturally progressed to Maynard's phenomenal  range, this is exactly what 
Al Hirt said to me: "One day, I couldn't stand  it anymore and I looked at 
Maynard and said...Maynard how the #$&* do you hit all those high notes anyway?"  
And,  do you know what he said to me? Maynard looks  at me and says...I have 
no  idea, they just come out."   With that, we both laughed.  I  thanked the 
big guy for talking with me, and he genuinely assured me that it was  no 
problem, as he enjoyed our visit.
 
That is the one and only time that I would have the opportunity to  talk with 
Al Hirt.  However, in that one conversation, I can tell  you that I found him 
genuine, gregarious, and a true professional.  It is  refreshing to finally 
see him spoken about with such reverence in this  list.    
 
Lewis D.  Custode, Jr., CLU, ChFC, CASL