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Commentary: Everyone has their musical heroes. I have three! For every big band I’ve ever formed in my 57-yrs as a journeyman composer, singer, jazz pianist, and CD Producer, I consider Thad Jones my mentor by default. Thad was a visionary. If you play any of his prior records or have the pleasure to play some of his big band arrangements, (I have many of Thad’s charts in my big band book) it’s as though his music is always both played/composed this morning. This is the rationale for my statement above.

Then, there’s Sammy Nestico. Sammy’s a true steward for the “American Songbook” and his arrangements are virtual studies in the skill and craft for viable arranging. Last, I refer to Quincy Jones (affectionately known to his close musical contemporaries as ‘Quince’.) This is my subjective modern day composing-arranging trinity for both the modern style big band and symphony idioms.

Recently, Sammy Nestico sent me a signed copy of his memoirs which I both read and relished. In spite of all of his noteworthy accomplishments, the underpinning that I took away from the book was his utter humility as well as his sense of thanks for his chosen discipline. Also, I note the simple warmth that can’t be denied that in spite of his fame. He’s still ‘one of the guys.’ As to Sammy’s prowess at “reinventing the invention,” (arranging) as it were, he writes with a passion that can only be described as powerfully dramatic, yet still containing a sense of profound serenity and tranquility. His impact on our beloved jazz pop idiom can’t be taken lightly. He’s truly wrote the book on the art and craft innate in his arranging style.

I will insert a personal note of thanks for the many arrangements that I’ve had the pleasure of singing that have been penned by Sammy. I have found his powerful sense of swing that he writes into his charts to be exhilarating and uncompromising. I realize that my personal kudo is a little mercenary, but I’d not be true to my feelings if I didn’t include my thoughts into this missive about the repeated happiness both me and the members of my big band have enjoyed through Sammy’s arrangements.

Last, Sammy Nestico can take heart in the fact that he has made an enormous impact on the musical industry, particularly the jazz/pop genre which enjoys a more eclectic audience as a result of Sammy’s artistic input. The texture, tonal color, and sense of both harmony and melody that he creates for our edification is distinct and singular. His music offers a picturesque, bold and powerful legacy that can only stand the test of time. Today, Sammy still takes us on his wonderful sojourn of moods……..From the musically mysterious to the solemn……….And yes ultimately to the coda…………Musical joy!!

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