“That was an amazing time for me. I remember when we had the rehearsal for the concert. Those guys just came from the airport with their baggage to the rehearsal. As soon as they were behind their instruments Brian handed them the music and called, Oriental Hodown. This tune has a huge unison line that's all sixteenth notes at about 150 bpm and they sight read it perfectly! Here I am this 19 year old puppy watching this being blown away! The concert was the next day, so there was little “getting to know you time”, Joe kept to himself as he did’nt feel well, Kei and Alex were very accommodating, telling musician stories and friendly banter. The concert was split up in two segments. The first half, Brian would perform with his local band which I was part of, and the second half would feature the Guest Artists, I would also participate with them. Earlier in the rehearsal, Brian wanted to give me a solo on his tune Mr. Wilson which was in the first half of the concert and I graciously declined. I remember him looking at me and saying “come on man” and me saying “no, its cool.” He just smiled at me. When the tune came up, it was the last song of the first half of the concert and everybody had soloed, except for me. Then came Brian’s solo. He was tearing it up! Playing all this amazing stuff effortlessly like he does, wowing the audience and bringing it to a breath-taking climax and finale. Everybody’s cheering for him, the band’s happily basking in his moment, when all of a sudden he turns around to me while they’re still clapping and says, “You’re up!” Now you have to remember, Brian is an amazing technician, and I had nowhere the technique he has and never will, so I’m standing there in shock while everybody’s waiting for me to play something. Well, I don’t really remember what I played, but it seemed like an eternity. And when I finished I recieved a standing ovation, ironically, the only one of the evening. The best part for me was when I went backstage and saw Joe Farrell sitting there. He had been watching from the side of the stage and said, “ You knocked em dead. Good job.” And I said, “Just warmin them up for you Joe.” He just smiled and chuckled to himself.” Unfortunately this would be Joe’s last gig as he passed away shortly afterwards, so its truly special memory for me.”

I will always be thankful to Brian for the opportunity he gave me!