In keeping with this week’s vegetation theme, I was surprised to come across this little tree called Carolina Sweetheart (Eastern Redbud). Without warning, I could hear my father playing a horn solo; I think it was Green Dolphin Street. On the same tree it had the colors of both trombone cases of my father. It’s funny what old cues can trigger . . In “case” you didn’t know, a musician’s instrument case is a go bag, an office on the run, a potpourri of little tools, oil, cloths, loose sheet music and fake books, song lists, liquor cabinet, contact numbers—never know when you might need your agent, manager, lawyer, bookie, or bail bondsman (kidding), and accessories (in my guitar case capos, picks, replacement strings, tuner, cookies). I grew up with these trombone cases. Now beaten up and mildewed, but during Dad’s time the soft velvet interior, rich smell from slide oil, and gleaming gold horns captured my imagination. Exotic and better than a Cadillac’s leather interior. Gonna miss these guys. #trombone #trombonecase #velvetinterior #sheetmusic #fakebook #hidingplace #jazzmusician #therealdeal https://www.instagram.com/p/BxgHS_yBohe/?igshid=hqk160lmmoes