This week, another great musician and artist has passed away. Maynard Ferguson, the excellent high-brass musician and artist, died of health complications.

I enjoyed Maynard's trumpet (and flugel) playing in the seventies, and even into the eighties. Although I did not know Maynard, or have the opportunity to observe him playing live, I have heard repeatedly that he was a great musician at heart, not just in performance.

Many more times than once, I've heard and read that Maynard helped up-and-coming musicians get exposure, experience, and gave lots of encouragement. This one thing alone is what makes an artist truly great, IMHO. For it is the ability to share with other musicians that puts them in the true light of greatness - even more so than their ability to entertain or play technically well.

Godspeed and RIP, Maynard. I'm glad you were here.