An Ode To "Q"

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    "Q" was in a class by himself. In addition to all the well-deserved accolades, he was also a talented pianist before taking up trumpet and becoming a respected trumpeter in his own right prior to writing, composing and producing, before finding his lane, arranging. His lush instrumentals were notable for their signature orchestration, which had a classical music flavor seeminglessly woven with jazz sensibilities. Like many "naturals," he got his start while still in high school. He went to the "woodshed" mastering his craft with some of the very best "Big Band" leaders in the business before carving out his own niche. Frank Sinatra said he had never seen an arranger score a song a quickly as "Q." Sinatra collaborations with "Q" stand the test of time as some of the best selling albums in the waning genre. His foray into pop with Michael Jackson are the stuff of legends propelling the star to superstardom. Little know fact is that the ecletic sidemen on the three platinum albums he produced for Jackson agreed to back up the mercurial singer only because of "Q's" rep. Don't get it twisted. No one has done it longer or better than Quincy Jones. His television and movie scores in the 60's and 70's set the standard that few modern day arrangers can compete. Bottoms up, Q. You will be sorely missed, Maestro.😢

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