MENUI can not actually remember the first time I met Laurie Frink, but when I first started a large ensemble and asked trumpet players who to hire for the Trumpet 4 book, she was on everybody’s list. And rightly so. Only slowly did I get to know her, her sharp wit and steadfast musicianship. At times it seemed like she was in every major big band in NYC. Later, I would hear about how she was the chops doctor/therapist for brass players of all kinds, from newbies to experienced veterans. Like most, I was and am still in disbelief that she is suddenly gone.
As a way to heal and remember, I started looking through our email exchanges over the last several years. Although they are mostly about gigs, I can still hear and see Laurie when I read through them which somehow gives me a little solace. I’ve gathered her responses here in chronological order and wanted to share them so others could share in this memory of her dry wit and “no BS” directness! I’m still shaken when this compilations ends so suddenly without any resolution.
With gratitude, John
all can work
Laurie
Hi John
It looks like I will be out of town Nov 2-4 so rehearsing earlier would be better for me
Laurie
whoo hooooo!! congrats!!
Laurie
Hey John
fun gig!! sorry bout the $–I didn’t realize we were getting paid last nite. Mail is cool—–thanks
Laurie
Hi John
2-5 nov 13–see you then—-yes, I’d like music
Laurie
not me
Laurie
I had a great time playing your music!!!!! could you shoot me the address of the studio please. also–do you have a cutoff time or is it open ended—–anythings cool with me —just curious
thanks
Laurie
John
I am out of town so i can’t look at my passport. I’ll be in town for a minute on tuesday and will let you know what it says for sure
(probably Laurie Ann Frink but I’m not positive about the middle name being there)
As far as flight requests, I don’t care about the meal (it all sucks) but I’ll need an aisle seat as I am a pacer with a bad back.
thanks
Laurie
june 13–good
june 12–anytime
Laurie
ok
Laurie
either is fine for me
Laurie
ok
Laurie
fine
Laurie
confirmed
Laurie
same address
240 west 98th #7G NYC 10025
Laurie
sorry–i thought I had responded–i;m good
Laurie
Hi John,
I’m upstate and internet has been wacky—can’t determine whether my reply got sent to you or not—sorry if this is a repeat
everything is doable (if I could please have about 10 days notice if possible) except for the 20 and 21 from 5:30 on.
Laurie
I’m good
Laurie
anytime
Laurie
anytime
Laurie
I’m good
Laurie
just to clarify–is the rehearsal oct 12?
Laurie
thanks–i got confused
Laurie
Hi John–thanks for the offer below–how about my rent for the remainder of the year…haha
pay-$100 (if you have extra expenses that you would like me to cover, please let me know)
I’m good for everything and have no preferences for dates or leavetimes.
Laurie
Hi John
thats great!! the main thing I have to offer is that the traffic getting across the bridge into Newport is a f*&^king NITEMARE!!!
I can’t emphasize this enough…….last year I played with 2 different bands and the ‘sound checks’ really didn’t happen……
Laurie
confirmed–it doesnt matter to me when we fly—one thing that does matter:
if its possible I’d like an aisle seat on the plane–i’m a restless traveler with bad knees and lower back issues—I like to get up a lot
thanks
Laurie
yep
Laurie
doesnt’ matter
Laurie
april 25 works–I can rehearse any day except april 23
Laurie
I’d need to finish by 5:30–anytime before can work
Laurie
good for me
Laurie
im good
Laurie
Hi John
MSM has scheduled its trumpet entrance auditions on tuesday afternoon and as one of 3 trumpet faculty
I really need to be there for some of it at least so I’m sorry to say that I’ll be late to the soundcheck.
looking forward to the next several days.
Laurie
the auditions go til 6, but I figured I’d jump in a cab @ 4:30—so depending on traffic I should be there by 5.
I went to school at the University of Nebraska
Laurie
I’m up–standing , and awake—thanks –sorry to have to bother you with all of this……..
Laurie
cool
Laurie
cool
Laurie
I’m cool with this
Laurie
cool–sorry to be tardy
Laurie
cool—BTW is Newport on for aug 6 or 7??–sorry I’m such an airhead
Laurie
Hi John
I will be in Newport from aug 4 on…..sorry
Laurie
august 1 4:30 on
august 2 3 PM on
Laurie
John
Maybe everyone already knows this, but just in case—-getting across the Newport bridge can be a nitemare!!!!
Allow at least an extra hour….maybe even more
Laurie
Confirmed–I’ll need a parking permit
Laurie
I will be traveling with Lois–will she need a pass to get into the festival?
Laurie
I can also just flirt real heavy with the guard……
Laurie
Late afternoon on the 11th would work
Laurie
Hi John
I’m in Newport without nicks email address– could you please send it to me —
I need someone to translate the tickets– I can’t figure out leaving and arriving times— sorry to be so lame
Laurie
I will get myself to the airport tomorrow
Laurie
Confirmed— I will get myself to Newark tomorrow
Laurie
thanks john–already printed it…….
Laurie
Hi John
The folks you asked are exactly the ones I would have suggested. Perhaps ask Kenny Wheeler?? I am disappointed to say that I’m going to be unable to do the KW gig…sorry. I’ve had many inspiring times with him and was really looking forward to this gig.
Laurie
Re: pic from lisbon….how come I’m the only one looking at JC? (:
maybe you’re lost????
Laurie
good
Laurie
Hi John,
No problem. Thanks for the advance notice.
Happy new year!
Laurie
got it will be there with bells on
Laurie
ok for me
Laurie
cool
i also have in my book nov 28-dec 3–is this happening or did I forget to delete?
my mother didn’t like me
Laurie
Never have we doubled up
Laurie
either
Laurie
I am in the woods with no scanner or fax–here is a photo–
i’m ok–sorry–thought I’d answered
Laurie
How are we traveling to DC?
Laurie
yay!!! thanks
Laurie
I’m good–happy new year!!
Laurie
cool don’t care
Laurie
John,
I am very sorry to do this, but I’m not going to be able to do the tour this spring.
I will miss you all and especially playing the music, but I’m really getting jammed up.
Laurie
please let me know that you got my last email
Laurie
