- I met Greg Gabb, 16, two years ago while directing a Saturday jazz program at Dillard University. He struck me as a quiet, well-mannered young trumpeter who was new to jazz but curious and eager to learn more. Although his jazz knowledge was minimal, the one thing that struck me immediately was his tone. Unlike the brassy sound popular with many of the kids his age performing in marching bands, or perhaps one of the many youthful brass bands in the city, his tone was pure, introspective, bell-like. Its warmth drew you in, more like a young Miles Davis or Bix Biederbeck than a Louis Armstrong. As we developed a relationship, I really encouraged him to develop that tone as a part of his musical identity. Two years later, with the help of a bunch of great teachers, a great attitude and a determined work ethic, Greg has matured leaps and bounds and is well on his way to becoming a “next generation” musician who will contribute to the great New Orleans musical legacy.
