Years ago, I was playing with my long-time partner and mentor, Tommy Johnston, at a supper club in Frankfort, Kentucky called the Midland Tavern.

A young guy was dancing...boots, jeans, etc., while everyone else was dressed nicer. Must have been about my age at the time, 22-23. Tommy was about 45 at the time.

He had a request for the Tennessee Waltz, so Tommy (the show-off) played it as a jazz waltz, like the Gravy Waltz.

The kid came up and said..."don't mess with the tune".

That pissed off Tommey, so he asked if the kid played. The young guy said he played trumpet. "Well, go get that bad boy". Tommy was going to bury the kid as he had done to many others.

The kid came back with a paper sack, coverig a beautiful Benge trumpet in a leather case. Tommy called "Four", smiled and asked the kid "What key"?

The kid said "stock", hit the first note running, and Tommy was scuffling like mad.the smirk had disappeared.

Turned out the kid was an Eastman graduate on tour with the Stan Kenton band. He was on vacation visiting his family in a nearby town.

The kid said he was not showing any disrespect, but that nothing was gained at playing anything but the "straight" version of that tune for the older lady that requested it.

There are some GREAT younger players out there, and, that night, my crusty old partner learned a valuable lesson.

So did I.


Russ