I have to be honest. I didn't like Hugo when I met him. He was in my physics class. He seemed sort of aimless and goofy. Typical college party boy. Besides, vocalists didn't hang out with instrumentalists. Back then I certainly couldn't imagine he would become one of my great musical influences.
As a music major, I had a certain number of recitals I had to attend per semester. I only listened to vocal concerts, because, well... I was a singer. I didn't see the point in watching instrumentalists. What could I learn from them? And there were no words. My voice teacher, Chris, always pushed us to go to band recitals. I refused. For years. Then, my last year of school, I went to see a jazz band thing. And Hugo had a solo. It was called "The Preacher". Hugo walked to the front. The band began to play an instrumental gospel choir arrangement. Hugo planted his feet, took a breath, leaned back, and blew his horn. Until that moment, I had not understood what an instrument was singing. Hugo was the preacher, the band was the church, and I understood every word. He was confident and strong, a 180 degree turn from the boy in my physics class.
I have had the good. fortune to collaborate with Hugo at live performances and in the studio. He is incredibly inspired, multi-talented, humble, and generous. I wish him the best in all of his efforts, musical or otherwise.
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