Mentorship is everything in this music.
Sam Burtis was one of the greatest mentors I've had... generous with his time, his knowledge, and his SUPPORT. You've most likely never heard of him, and yet he's on most of the large ensemble records that shaped my own sound and approach.
He made all of his professional decisions based on art - whether or not he wanted to make THIS music with THESE people - nothing else. Not money, not prestige, not peer pressure, not advancement, not convenience - music and people, no exceptions. His presence in the middle of the trombone section expanded the sound of the entire band; I don't know how he did it but it was extraordinary. It was the honor of my life that he wanted to play my music with my band, and I'll spend the rest of my career trying to be worthy of that.
'Maestro' is an earned title in music. I called him Maestro, and I meant it every time. I'm devastated that he's gone.
What a loss. Rest in peace, my friend.
-ks / 12.29.2023
