The Legendary Trumpet Virtuosity Of Rafael Méndez, Vol. 1

I have heard so many times that trumpet players have gotten exceedingly better over the past 50 years. Rafael Mendez is proof that this is not the case. I truely believe that he is the greatest trumpet player to have ever lived.

I am thrilled to find this album on iTunes! While the recording technology of the music could be better, the musicianship could not. These are the sounds of a trumpet master. Each generation has a limited number of trumpet players who are role models. Rafael Mendez was that role model for my generation. I must express my thanks. In the late 50's Rafael Mendez traveled to the small town of Mt. Shasta, California, to help out a pretty hot high school band with a fund raiser (uniforms). We found Mr. Mendez a man of good humor and, like our director a demanding but kind task master with high standards and expectations. No prima donna here; Mendez made a special point of reinforcing the teachings of our director. Opening night came and what a thrill it was to perform with "The World's Greatest Trumpet Player." Truly a once in a lifetime experience! Whether you feel this review helpful or not, I can guarantee that If you take time to listen to this man's virtuosity, you will find your money well spent!

If you call yourself a trumpet player and do not own this album then just put your horn down and walk away from it ;-) Seriously another fantastic example of Rafael's fantastic skill. Flight of the Bumblebee is unreal.