DESCRIPTION:
Here is another arrangement that I wrote for Boss for the CD "The One and Only". On this one, Ed called me about two weeks before we were to begin rehearsals for what turned out to be Maynard's last engagement. 12 SOLD OUT shows at the Blue Note in New York. What a finale to a wonderful career! I was a little worried when Ed suggested "Besame" 1. Because I only had two weeks to write it (I'm a SLOW writer) and 2. Because my man Reggie Watkins had already written a SMOKIN' chart on Besame for the Dianne Schur-Maynard project. But Ed was so enthusiastic, and I could NEVER turn down a request to write something for Boss...I mean REALLY! So, write it I did. The thing literally wrote itself as I went on a "Beethoven Walk" one day in Fort Atkinson Wisconsin. I have NEVER written a piece that quickly.

And, as fate would have it, this chart was nominated for a Grammy! My first nomination. Once again: Thanks Boss!

So many great friends on this one! check out Stockton's amazing drum solo at the top (and his playing throughout the entire thing!) Then my man Waynard (Wayne Bergeron) absolutely KILLED on his trumpet battle with Maynard. AND...Wayne was sight reading! He also plays the stunning out chorus of the melody. Wayne is officially a BAD BAD boy.

And then, of course, there is Maynard himself who takes no prisoners on his solo. 72 years old, on his way out (we didn't know it at the time) and played like THIS! I had the joy of being in the iso booth with him when he recorded this solo. I actually counted him in and pointed at him and he commenced to doin' that Voodoo that Heedooo better than anyone. Truly: The One and Only.