A couple of days ago, world-renowned arranger, Sammy Nestico, died. I will alway cherish memories of high school and college jazz band, learning to play his charts–especially “Basie, Straight Ahead.”

As a college trumpet teacher teaching a wide range of trumpet interests in my studio, I will occasionally get out the “Basie-Nestico” lead trumpet book compilation published by Kendor.

For my jazz/commercial-oriented students, I will often recommend a great solo by Sammy Nestico–“Portrait of a Trumpet,” dedicated to Conrad Gozzo. I’d like to share a live performance I did of this piece seven years ago. RIP, Sammy Nestico.