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Trumpeter John Vanore told us about his FONT experience…<\/em><\/p>\n John Vanore:<\/strong> The\u00a0Festival of New Trumpet Music<\/a>\u00a0(FONT) honored legendary Canadian jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, and composer\u00a0 in 2011, for his immense contributions to post-bop and avant-garde jazz. Known for his unique harmonic language, Wheeler created over 100 compositions.<\/p>\n FONT<\/a> was a yearly celebration developed by noted New York trumpeter, Dave Douglas.\u00a0 \u00a0The event was held at the Jazz Standard.\u00a0 One of New York’s famous jazz venues, a wonderful place to experience jazz.\u00a0 \u00a0Small and intimate with excellent acoustics and good sound, the” Standard”, was a place I visited many times.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n Being a trumpet player, the weekend featuring Kenny Wheeler was special.\u00a0 His famous recording, Music for Large and Small Ensembles, is a treasure.<\/p>\n On Friday and Saturday nights, October 21st and 22nd, in 2011 the music from this legendary album, was to be\u00a0 performed by the John Hollenbach Orchestra and featuring Kenny himself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n I was there both nights.\u00a0 A must see and HEAR ! \u00a0 The Ensemble began playing a couple Kenny’s well known pieces.\u00a0 Gentle Piece was especially haunting in its beauty and simplicity. \u00a0Then they escorted Kenny Wheeler to the stage. \u00a0Now 81 years old and not in the best of health, they helped him onto the bandstand.\u00a0 \u00a0As Kenny soloed with the Orchestra, the power of his youth was obviously diminished, but\u00a0 \u00a0his sound and inventiveness was as\u00a0 ever\u00a0 present . \u00a0His command as a master improviser was on full display as he weaved his solos.<\/p>\n An exhilarating, emotional, and unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n John Vanore’s “Easter Island Suite<\/a>” is out now.<\/em><\/p>\n Photo \u00a9 J Paul Simeone<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n