James Morrison - The first time I played with the amazing trumpet player

For those who don't know, James Morrison is an international jazz trumpeter. Actually he seems to be amazing at any instrument he plays. In his 2012 album, Snappy Too, he played every single part of the big band except the drums.

Here's an example!

Anyway, today Facebook reminded me that it has been a little over 5 years since I first played with this great guy. This picture was taken during rehearsals for the 2012 Queensland State Schools on Stage Creative Generation James Morrison Big Band. This was the inaugural year for the Big Band and I was extremely fortunate to have been a part of it!

Since this occassion I have met and played with James and his brother John (drummer) a few times.

John Morrison is an amazingly generous and kind guy, always looking to help new players emerge, especially school students. The Brisbane Jazz club runs a 2 week big band jazz fest each year where there are performances by many groups througuout the days and nights. John attends all them and even joins in to help teach when they have the school band days.

These two brothers are amazing players and people and I'm so very fortunate to have played with them both.