Scotty has used a Monette instrument for his entire 12-year time on the band, and a B997 for the majority of this time. From Red Square in Moscow to the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Great Wall of China, Scotty has put countless notes and miles on his Monette. He was kind enough to write a brief overview of his experience with his Monette on the road, and he also shared a hilarious personal story from "on the road."

Scotty has ordered a new AJNA II Bb for delivery next year. We look forward to upgrading his well-worn 997 Bb!

"Life on the Road"

Being in the Count Basie Orchestra and traveling the world constantly is an honor beyond compare and a thrill to say the least. But to be a featured trumpet soloist who happens to play a Monette trumpet with the CBO, is even more thrilling.

From a high school in Iowa or New York, to a university in Texas or Florida, to the best concert halls in Europe, Japan, South America, and the USA, I have had countless musicians, mostly trumpeters, come up to me and rave about the sound and the look of my Monette. What is really interesting sometimes is the look on the faces of the audience members who sit up front. They know that my trumpet is different and really stands out against the others in my section. In fact, it has made the front page of many reviews from around the world.

Needless to say, I feel extremely proud and honored to travel the world knowing that I have a trumpet made by the greatest trumpet maker and staff ever to exist. And sometimes I can tell when I pass another musician in some place of performance or transit, that he or she notices my case and that I play a Monette. It feels great.

Finally, playing a Monette trumpet has undoubtedly become a symbol for achievement and excellence and there is no other trumpet in the world that automatically speaks this truth. For the past twelve years, I have been honored to be associated with Dave and his revolutionary instruments, and just as Wynton says, "It makes me want to strive for another level as a trumpet player."

"My Sock is on Fire!"
a hilarious story from the road...

We were at the concert site which was a huge mall that had been shut down for this jazz festival in which we were the headliners. People were hanging from the rafters, all over the escalators, etc., in order to see.

It was about 20 minutes before we had to go on and I was going to the stage to put my music out, etc. As I was walking to the stage I thought I'd take a shortcut over the little glass display case of rocks, etc. I THOUGHT it was glass!!!!!!!! After I had stepped down to my left knee in the WATER I thought I would have to swim the rest of the way WITH my trumpet!!!!!!!!! Stunned disbelief!!!!!!! Mike (sits next to me) came to the rescue by grabbing my free hand and pulling me out. As I walked to the dressing room trying not be noticed by the adoring fans, water was coming up through the little holes in my good shoes!!!!! AND making a squishing sound!!!!!!! It gets better......

So, I'm standing in the WOMEN'S bathroom (didn't care as it was the closest one when I entered our dressing room) with my pants off from in my suit and only my right shoe and sock on. I'm trying to dry my left sock under the hand dryer. I'm in a panic and rush and forget to realize that a hot blow dryer just LOVES silk!!! The next thing I know is my sock is on fire!!!!!!!!!!!
There is a horrible smell and a hole the size of a quarter!!!!!!!!!! Actually TWO holes as the burn went through. As this is going on, the word has gotten out and EVERYONE in the band (including strangers) were peeping in the door in three-second intervals laughing at me!!!!!!!!! I managed to dry my pants quite well without burning them because I switched to the men's restroom. Of course, I had to WALK there with no pants and one shoe but the rest of my suit on. Are you all laughing too??????? I can hear you now....(smile)

Anyway, I maneuvered my sock to wear the hole where you couldn't see it. We start the show and guess who has the FIRST solo???????????????? I think Grover (our conductor and the guys in the band) set me up so everyone would see there was something a little different. It was cool, though. Now, Mike calls me Jesus!!!!!!! It will never end..........
So long campers........
Scotty