Horn Bands

m A rch 2, 2016

Certain things, within our lives. Embedded, in us deep. The sound of “trumpets,” fill my heart. Memories, I keep.

I played piano, early on. My tastes, were eclectic. “Liberace.” “Little Richard.” Both to me…fantastic.

Became, a trumpet player. Inspired, by what I heard. That sound touched me, down to my soul. Cannot describe, in words.

Vocalists, get attention. Guitars, and drummers too. But I am drawn, to big brass sounds. In pop, jazz, soul, and blues.

I confess. Loved Herb Alpert. His smooth, number-one hits. Bert Kaempfert’s “Wonderland by Night.” Al Hirt’s “Sugar Lips.”

While Beatles, did hit me hard. “I want to hold your hand…” The music, that really grabbed me. Had “horns,” mixed in the band.

The Buckinghams, and Grass Roots. Brass used, to fill in parts. Trumpets, lifting Dusty Springfield. As her ballads, broke hearts.

Later, found the Boogie Kings. Their special, “blue-eyed” soul. And Lydia Pense, with Cold Blood. A great group, truth be told.

Some, studio producers. Desired, that rich horn sound. They hired brass, and sax players. Top people. Great renown.

The Memphis Horns. Stax Records. They backed up, Sam and Dave. Playing with Otis. Pickett too. Their soul sound, was the rage.

Funk Brothers horns, with Motown. Stevie Wonder. Supremes. The Wrecking Crew. Studio band. That owned, the L. A. scene.

“25 or 6 to 4.” Chicago. Great horn band. “Spinning Wheel.” Blood, Sweat and Tears. Big hits, throughout the land.

“Get It On.” Trumpets did soar. Bill Chase’s, screaming style. Earth Wind and Fire. Sly’s Family Stone. They really, drove me wild.

Tower of Power hit me. With songs, like “What is Hip.” I was amazed, at how they played. Trumpets, with leather lips.

My list, of trumpet heroes? Most, you’ll never know. Names not found, on record jackets. Made very little, dough.

But still, their music shines on. In immortality. My Kindle Fire. And my smart phone. Have captured them, for me.