Now that you have a better idea who Herb is, here are some of his thoughts on "things musical".

SCM:  Who influenced your musical mindset when you were coming up as a young musician?

Herb: Like many of us , I guess, the defining moment for me was when I heard Urbie Green. I was too young to know why he captivated me, but later I was able to put terms to it. The phrasing, style and oh, that sound.....the sound that personifies the trombone. I've never heard anything else that compares. After meeting him, his position at the the top was solidified. He is an absolute Gentleman; kind, considerate, articulate, and The Complete Artist. He reminded me a lot of the great Packer quarterback, Bart Starr.

The first great player I ever heard on record was the great Buddy Morrow. He told me one time, (with a wink in his eye), " I did everything there was to do in New York until Urbie showed up". Then he laughed. He and Urbie were great friends. I met Urbie when I was 18. I had won a local talent contest and was to do a TV spot for a fund-raising telethon.  I tried to play "Sunny" just like Urbie did it on his "21 Trombones" LP. When I finished, I took a bow. I felt a hand on my left shoulder. I turned around and it was Urbie! I should have quit playing that day, because that was the best day I ever had. I saw Urbie again 7 years later in Orlando. I walked up to him sheepishly, hoping he'd speak with me. I was ready to recount the story of our first encounter, hoping he'd remember. He looked at me, remembered my name, where we played together and other details of the event even I had forgotten. I saw him again just a few years ago. I took with me a picture he had autographed for me when we first met. I showed it to him and he said, " My handwriting wasn't any good back then, either. Would you like me to send you another one?" I pulled the framed photo back and said, "No, Urbie. This one's just fine, but thanks". I always wanted to send Urbie my CD's but just didn't have the courage. Maybe someday...          

Frank Rosolino astonishes me. I've studied him my whole life. I loved the "vertical" approach to jazz he has. No one else did it like that. I always wanted to be Urbie, but my emotional make-up leans more toward Frank. It makes for an interesting blend.

SCM: I’ve heard you say that one of the things that separates players is their ability, or lack thereof, to play in “styles”. 

HERB:  I mean "separate" in a business sense. If you want to be a working player, especially in a free lance market, you have to be able to "change gears", that is, be able to do whatever is required on the trombone. That has always been my goal. I never wanted to be a jazz or classical artist because I love too many different styles of music. Sometimes I feel like I'm spread too thin and took on too much. There are times I really envy the guys that have focused on one style. They know  all the nuances and history of the genre.  It's really fun to sit next to someone who has mastered a style. I learn so much from them.

SCM: You certainly are a master in this respect. How did you develop this aspect of your playing?

HERB: I think the easiest way to do that is to pick out a couple of players you admire in the styles you're interested in and study them. For Orchestra work; I always loved Denis Wick. For Ballads; Urbie, Tommy, Dick Nash and Buddy Morrow. For Jazz; Urbie,  Frank  & Carl. Of course, for Rock; Jim Pankow. That's the short list. The great Charlie Loper in LA was one of the greats in keeping up with styles. It's hard work, but that was always my goal.

SCM: Do you have a favorite style?

HERB: Not really. If the band is good and I'm having a good day, then the style of the moment is my fave.

SCM: What projects are you currently involved with?

Herb: I'm trying to promote a traditional jazz group I have. We're about to record our 2nd CD.                     I'm also very excited about my latest adventure. After customizing trombones and mouthpieces for 35 years, I decided to step out on my own and manufacture my own line of trombones.

I designed the entire line of trombones for the Lawler Trombone Company and am now prepared to launch my own line solo. We have contracted the finest brass craftsmen in the business and will be offering a complete line of custom commercial-style trombones. We're building all the standard trombone sizes from .490 to .525 including dual bores in various materials and finishes. The bells are individually hand-hammered until they meet our specifications. Our designs have been tested against all the popular pro models and they stand up beautifully.

All trombones will be custom made for each player. The goal is to see that every player gets the trombone that fits THEM. Our clients will NOT encounter a cookie cutter "take it or leave it" mentality. I believe that good equipment shortens the distance between the player and the music. My job is to help the player design the trombone that will accomplish that. The horns will be priced reasonably so that anyone can afford one.

Our prototypes are being completed at this time and we hope to have photos and descriptions up on line soon. Maybe, if I'm lucky, I can talk John Stork into making a line of mouthpieces for us!

SCM: Hmmm... I have a feeling that we both have a new project on the horizon! Thanks Herb!