This is a great example of Urbie showing off, as only Urbie can. But even when he is called to reorder his priorities (as he seldom did), and work towards virtuosic display as a goal in and of itself, as was the case in this instance, he can’t help but make music enroute. That rare gift is his alone amongst commercial trombonists. Urbie is not a trombonist, he is a musician; rare as they are. Trombonists have instrumental limitations and expectations set upon their performances, but none are conjured to mind when listening to Urbie playing. There is just an outpouring of music, free of obligation or imposition. It is of only secondary importance that Urbie is the greatest trombonist ever (and I include orchestral players in this category too), and the best ballad player too. More profoundly, I declare him to be, for his unswerving dedication to the music, one of the greatest ‘musicians’ ever.
I saw Urbie at that same club in '83. Played his a#* off. And he was so cool, came and sat on his breaks with all the college age Bone players who were there to hear him. My Man!!!
I saw this my freshman year of high school around 6 years ago when I first started trombone. This is one of the recordings that has really inspired me to keep playing through some of the toughest years of my life. Without this hobby of mine I don't know where I'd be. Thank you so much Urbie for your beautiful and inspirational playing.
So glad to know it helped you. We had Urbie at the Village Lounge at DisneyWorld for 2 week stays,almost every year. He was always amazing. Everything was easy for him :):)
