Wayne Naus: A Trumpet, A Tour, and a Touch of the Spirit

Trumpeters and Troubadours

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In this episode, John Howell reconnects with Wayne Naus for the first time in more than four decades to talk trumpet technique, life on the road with Buddy Rich and Maynard Ferguson, and the unforgiving beauty of big band music. Wayne shares stories from his Navy days, teaching at Berklee, and surviving the Buddy Rich “bus tape” era (yes, he was there—and yes, he remembers everything). If you’ve ever tried to find the perfect mouthpiece, blown your chops in the first set, or dreamt of nailing a double high C, this one’s for you.

We also get Wayne’s reflections on why he eventually walked away from the trumpet and how his creative journey continues today—this time at the piano, with his jazz ensemble on Cape Cod and recordings like Touch the Spirit.

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🎧 Episode Highlights:

• Touring with Buddy Rich and what it took to survive the bandstand (and the bus)

• Trading fours with Buddy on Big Swing Face

• The art of the warm-up and why every room felt different

• Playing alongside Maynard Ferguson, Arturo Sandoval, and Lynn Biviano

• Why Wayne gave up the horn—and how he found new inspiration behind the keys