Glenn’s Trumpet Notes

A full house of about 12,500 fans packed Key Arena in Seattle on Wednesday night to hear one of the greatest bands of my lifetime, the Eagles. The audience was mostly “Yuppies” and “Boomers” in their mid-30’s to 60’s, and Glenn Frey, guitarist and emcee, jokingly called it their “Assisted Living Tour.”

Indeed, Tim Schmit, bass guitarist and soulful crooner, got sick while in Seattle and had to be treated at Swedish Hospital. That resulted in a two-week delay from the original concert date. The delay caused about 800 ticket holders to take a refund, but then those tickets quickly resold. Floor tickets cost upward of $250.

The old guys appear to be in great shape—no over-the-belt paunches hanging off these fellows! Man, they are good! The primary four are Schmit, Frey, Don Henley, lead singer, guitarist and percussionist, and Joe Walsh, exceptional guitarist and rebellious rocker. They started recording 38 years ago in 1972. They’re backed by about 10 other musicians: masterful guitarist, Steuart Smith, a pianist, keyboard artist , violinist, two drummers, three saxophonists, and one trumpeter.

Man, does this band have depth and power! They deliver strong voices, rich, tight harmonies, interesting rhythms and syncopation, and meaningful lyrics—just a consistently solid, fluid sound by a polished, impassioned team of musicians. Everyone appreciates excellence and mastery in any field of human endeavor, and these guys have delivered hit after hit after hit. That’s part of what prompts Henley to introduce “The Long Run” as their “theme song after 40 years of doing this.” 

When we dig deep inside ourselves and, through hard work and practice, develop our God-given natural gifts, talents, and strengths into masterful skills and abilities, and finally, produce a useful, needed, sought-after product, we spread joy to the world. The Eagles are among the best bands in my lifetime to have done that. The crowd ate it up and would have stayed all night.

Among my favorites (not in priority order): “Hotel California,” “I Can’t Tell You Why,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “In the City,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Desperado,” “Take It to the Limit,” “Get Over It,” “Pretty Maids All in a Row,” “Take It Easy,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Seven Bridges Road,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “Wasted Time,” “New York Minute,” and “One of These Nights.”