BOB BROOKMEYER (1929-2011)

Bob Brookmeyer was one of my favorite trombone players ever since I first heard him playing with Mulligan. Kai Winding, J.J. Johnson, Jimmy Cleveland and the ever wonderful Mr. Brookmeyer were among my all time favs. on trombone.

We lost him just before his 82nd birthday.

It is a great loss.

To those who don't know his music -- thanks to you tube, CD's, records, etc. we can hear him, and other greats almost at will. Perhaps you might be drawn to his music and buy a CD or two.

The following from The Bob Brookmeyer website -- please follow link to original
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BOB BROOKMEYER (1929-2011)
12/27/2011 6:06:41 PM - It’s with great sadness that we share the news that Bob Brookmeyer passed away last night, just three days shy of his 82nd birthday. Bob was an integral force in music, making some of the greatest groups in jazz history what we know and admire today. Whether as a composer, arranger or trombonist, his voice is immediately discernible from the very first note, always bringing a smile and one word: "Brookmeyer."

For many of us, Bob has always been a tremendous inspiration and an overflowing wealth of knowledge. You'd be hard to find a large ensemble composer that doesn't have Bob's name on the top of their list of favorites. For those lucky enough to have the opportunity to study with him, we were given more than just an education in the art of being a great composer, we were given a level of both love and support that expanded far beyond the classroom. He had a wonderful ability to cultivate our inner strengths, yet pull us out of our comfort zones and stretch us farther than we could have ever imagined possible.

Bob's newest album, STANDARDS, which was officially released a few weeks ago, was a record Bob was incredibly proud of. It is a true masterpiece in every sense of the word, with each arrangement encompassing everything that is "Bob Brookmeyer."

Bob, you were an amazing force and a fearless leader to all jazz composers. Thank you for your years of inspiration, support, and for leaving a legacy of music to continually inspire us for years to come.