RAY ANDERSON
I first came across Ray Anderson in the spring of 1991 when I went to Chicago to audition for a Master’s program at Northwestern University. While I was there, I was browsing through the CDs at Rose Records and came across Anderson’s 1990 recording, What Because (Gramavision R2 79453). I’d never heard of Ray, but I am always game to hear someone new, so I bought the CD. At first, I have to say I was not overly excited – Ray’s sound is a little on the rough side, and it took a few listens before I got used to that. Once I did, I could then focus on what he was doing musically, and just let myself get caught up in his contagious joy and energy. Since then, I have bought many more of his recordings, but What Because has remained a favourite. Coincidentally, when I returned (with my wife Sandy) to Chicago that fall to begin my Master’s degree, the first night we were there we got to hear Ray Anderson live at a bar downtown. What a thrill that was! I have since seen a few of his performances, and they are always FUN!
CHRISTIAN LINDBERG
I’ll never forget how excited I was in my 1st year at UPEI to find Christian Lindberg’s first solo recording The Virtuoso Trombone at the UPEI Music library. Lindberg did things on that record that I hadn’t even imagined possible on the trombone. Since that first record 20-odd years ago, Christian has released 30 solo CDs, performed as a guest soloist on another 30, and gives around 100 live performances each year, all over the world. It is truly remarkable what he has accomplished. I have seen Lindberg live a couple of times, but the most memorable performances were at the International Trombone Workshop in 1994 in Minneapolis. There I got to hear him perform a solo recital of all unaccompanied works, and two nights later, the world premiere performance of Toru Takemitsu’s “Fantasma/Cantos II” for trombone and orchestra, with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. Amazing!
Here’s a photo of me with both Ray Anderson and Christian Lindberg (and a friend of mine) taken at the ITW in Minneapolis:
L to R: LC, CL, me, RA
Dale Sorensen's Blog 
I remember that first night in Chicago very well. We had such a great time until we had to take the “L” home at 3 in the morning. I was more than a little nervous. Another hightlight for me in Chicago was when you deserted me to go home early for Christmas break. I had to stay to work. The only satisfaction I got out of staying in Chicago alone was having the opportunity to hear Christian Lindberg play his Motorcycle Concerto at a Band Conference. He was amazing. I even went up to speak to him afterwards and he signed one of your CDs to me. At that point, you still hadn’t heard him play live.
Dale,
I’ve enjoyed all of the trombone posts, and the other stuff, too. Thanks for all the great writing.
Happy Easter!