When I first ran across this statement, I knew I had to have it posted where I could read it every morning. Comparing the two different work ethics can be a rude reminder that most of us are still amateurs. On which side of the isle do you stand? If you think you should be referred to as a professional, I would like to submit this challenge to you. Below I have posted a simple passage which at first perusal might seem an easy collection of notes to perform. With closer investigation you might consider this example as possibly more…

The following information was taken in its entirety from Wikimedia.com Clark Terry (December 14, 1920 – February 21, 2015) was an American swing and bebop trumpeter, a pioneer of the flugelhorn in jazz, composer, educator, and NEA Jazz Masters inductee. He played with Charlie Barnet (1947), Count Basie (1948–1951), Duke Ellington (1951–1959), Quincy Jones (1960) and Oscar Peterson (1964-1996). He was also with The Tonight Show Band from 1962-1972. Terry’s career in jazz spanned more than seventy years during which he became one of the most recorded jazz musicians ever, appearing on over 900 recordings. Terry also mentored many musicians…

The following was taken directly from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Lewis Michael Soloff (February 20, 1944 – March 8, 2015) was an American jazz trumpeter, composer and actor. From New York City, he studied trumpet at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. He worked with Blood, Sweat & Tears from 1968 until 1973. Prior to this, he worked with Machito, Gil Evans, Tony Scott, Maynard Ferguson and Tito Puente. He was also a longtime member of the Manhattan Jazz Quintet and Mingus Big Band. In the 1980s he was a member of Members Only, a jazz ensemble…

Please excuse the periodic out bursts and language, but I only share this material, I don’t write it Special thanks to Corkey for sending this to me.