Big Red – Tommy Turrentine

Don Sickler recalls, "If you get physically weaker as you get older, trumpet playing can become a big problem since it's a very physical activity. Tommy, a great trumpet player in his youth, lost strength as he aged. He had to retire as a trumpet player, which depressed him terribly. Tommy was such a strong musician. He used to come over to our studio and sit at the piano and knock me out with his immense musical knowledge and creative abilities. Since trumpet playing wasn't an option for him anymore, I encouraged him to really get into writing, which fortunately is exactly what he did."

For a beautiful ballad that he created during this writing period, check out Gone But Not Forgotten. The title refers to trumpet player Fats Navarro, which fits precisely with the "Unsung Heroes" project.

Brian Lynch also recorded Gone But Not Forgotten on his "Unsung Heroes" project. This project selected less-familiar works from under-recognized trumpet masters like Tommy, Joe Gordon and Idrees Sulieman. You can check out the video of Brian's session on vimeo.

Transcribed Trumpet Solo: Brian's stunning solo trumpet on Big Red is a great tool for trumpeters who want to learn to emulate his lyrical, melodic style. On this solo, Brian perfectly balances technical virtuosity and melodic content; it's a real tour de force. This transcribed solo is available in both B-flat and C treble clef editions.

Exclusive audio: Brian's complete track clip from the "Unsung Heroes" recording, plus minus you tracks: These tracks come from the original recording. Here is the form:
tpclip minus trumpet: This gives any high melody instrument the chance to phrase the melody in octaves with the recorded tenor sax. The solo format is changed from the recording. You are the only soloist—four solo choruses (the last one also minus piano). Get the B-flat lead sheet for trumpet or tenor sax, or get the lead sheet appropriate to your instrument. 
clip minus tenor sax: The same format as the minus trumpet track, except now you can "lock in" with Brian's melody phrasing. Get the B-flat lead sheet.
pnoclip minus piano: the entire original recorded track, minus piano comping; you are the piano soloist. Pianists should get the C treble clef lead sheet.
bsclip minus bass: the entire original recorded track, minus bass; you have a bass solo. Bassists should get the C bass clef lead sheet.
drclip minus drums: the entire original recorded track, minus drums. Get the C treble clef lead sheet.
rsclip minus horns (rhythm section only): so you can play it in a quartet setting. You are the only soloist—four solo choruses (the last one also minus piano). Get the lead sheet appropriate to your instrument.

See all available titles from Volume 1 and Volume 2