Recently performing in classical symphonies and concertos by Mozart and Beethoven and really helped by my friend Ewan Fairbairn's fine kettle drumming. He has a pair of small kettle drums that he plays with wooden sticks, which provide a resounding attack that kicks my trumpet playing in the backside. In my opinion this combination works perfectly for the classical era and helps me with my articulation. 

Maurice Andre
I just found this stunning recording of Monsieur Andre performing in St Paul's Cathedral, London (where I was a chorister in the 1960's).Sadness and shock to hear of Maurice Andre's death recently. M Andre provided constant inspiration to me with his inimitable sound and style and I remember hearing of the legendary concert at St Martin in the Fields, London when almost every professional trumpet player had booked seats to hear him perform. John Wilbraham told me that he went for lessons with Maurice and they consisted of strolling round formal gardens in Paris, enjoying the beauty, while playing phrases on their piccolo trumpets. Actually playing in the open air is such a good thing to do - when I lived in a flat, I would head off to the park to practise with the bonus of enjoying nature as well as disturbing the wildlife.

Music in the Internet Age
For anyone who is an artist Music 3.0 'A Survival Guide for Making Music in the Internet Age' by Bobby Owsinski, will make fascinating reading. Although I think of myself as a craftsperson there are many good ideas about how to market bands and music in a wholly different world compared to a twenty years ago.

High Society
Just finished playing in the show 'High Society' which in my experience has the best trumpet part of this genre that I've ever had the pleasure of playing. There's a photo of all the mutes required, for example the harmon is specified to be played with tube extended, retracted and without and I was delighted to make use of my Solotone as well.