“It’s been an inspiring association with a man of
such impeccable musical integrity.”
Greg Hopkins

“Though our musical backgrounds, perspectives,
and experiences, are vastly different, his influ-
ence on me is profound. Herb deepened my
understanding of such things as the subtleties
color and texture; the delicate balance betwee
individual self-expression and the collective
effort; the sheer joy of noise and how it can m
music “buzz” with warmth and vitality. There
were practical lessons, too. Whether leading a
rehearsal or teaching a class, I am constantly
drawing on Herb’s advice and example, which
I had the pleasure of seeing up close fo
years. It would be only mild hyperbo
studying with Herb Pomeroy is like s
music with Charlie Parker, psychology
with Dr. Joyce Brothers, and leadership with
Franklin Roosevelt—all at once.”

 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  

Tommy Kamp

“Herb, you were a pillar of strength and a foun-
tain of knowledge during my formative years.
Your humanity and sense of humor made it possi-
ble for you to magically light up a rehearsal and
get the best out of the musicians. This has had a
great influence on my career and the way I deal
with people. In the course of 40 years, you taught
thousands of students—enough to form an array
of dedicated beboppers. With all of our wishes
for continued success, much love to you, Dodie,
and family. —Arif, Latife, Joe, and Julie.”
Arif Mardin

“Studying with Herb was a joy of every day—
despite my bad grades! I guess we share the same
love and respect for music; and it is an honor for
me to be a part of his tribute concert.”

Magali Souriau

 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  

“Terms such as ‘mentor’ and ‘strawboss’ have
been used by some to describe Herb Pomeroy.
My terms would be as follows: ‘recognizer and
nurturer of writing and playing abilities found in
others.” Over the years, Herb and I have shared
musical experiences of all kinds, from wedding
gigs to concerts in Carnegie Hall and the Apollo
Theater. One amusing incident occurred during a
Saturday morning wedding engagement. We had
played out of town the night before. We were
tired and nonplused. As professionals, we accept-
ed the challenge of playing the gig, and when the
ride began to walk the aisle, I said, ‘Herb, play
he Wedding March.’ Instead he played Happy
Birthday. Close enough for a jazz wedding.

All my best in your leave from Berklee, Herb.”
Ray Santisi

remember sitting in front of Herb apprehensively
iting for his next comment, his softly spoken

> answered with so much authority and wis-
*‘Rhythm section, I think it would sound bet-
u broke up the time in the introduction;
ocus on the unity of sound; trumpets, artic-
late/the passage at B for more definition; bones,
ezzo piano underneath the saxes at C.” All this

n one hearing. Everyone who has studied with
Herb Pomeroy has recognized his genius and the
wonderful human being that he is. We will all
carry his softly spoken voice around with us inside
our minds, forever remembering and using his
techniques: To be calm, positive, complimentary,
and suggest what could be improved with a subtle
change here and there without publicly destroying
the musician’s integrity. I can hear him now,

1292

“Tommy—shut up!
Tommy Smith

“We were playing with the Jimmy Dorsey band one
night—Herb was the lead trumpet—and when
the gig was over, I looked up to say goodbye to
him, but he had disappeared. I asked one of the
other players where he was, and the guy told me,

‘Herb’s always the first to leave a gig.””

Joe Hunt