Quotes from Various Sources

"The CPO had a great experience presenting Mike Herriott in his pops show "Getting Dizzy". Mike performed in a variety of the styles of the great jazz trumpet players from Satchmo to Dizzy. His virtuoso trumpet playing is astounding, but moreover, the presentation of the concert was excellent, as Mike spoke about the music and the lives of these artists in a non-assuming, humorous manner containing just enough information to keep the audience entertained and enthralled throughout the evening."
- Michael Wall, Director of Artistic Operations, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

“The thing about Mike’s pops shows, which are geared to please not just trumpet aficionados but everybody, is the wonderful juxtaposition of his across-the-board virtuosity with his utterly unaffected personality and presentation. The audience loved it”.
-Tommy Banks

" I have heard many trumpet players in my lifetime but Mike is one of the most impressive. He has the natural ability to do everything without limitations. He can play classical trumpet with the sound of a concert artist, he is a consistent lead trumpet player with the endurance of an ox, he can play jazz solos as well as anyone. He has a 4 to 5 octave range and can also play the flugelhorn with the perfect sensitive approach that is required of that instrument. He has a very unusual cantina of talent. If that isn't enough, he plays jazz trombone, bass and piano on the same level. I really can't stand this guy. Lock him up. Oh yeah, then there is also his stage presence, very calm, in control, warm, astute and witty. There is a new saying: 'MIKE OF ALL TRADES, MASTER OF ALL' "
-Guido Basso

"....Mike's masterclass was an enormous success. He did exactly what teachers hope visiting artists and clinicians will do ... he left the students with inspiration and strategies. ....The atmosphere in the class was relaxed but at the same time charged with excitement and musical energy. Everyone left feeling they had benefited substantially from Mike's musicianship and extraordinary skills as a player and teacher."
-Dr. Don Buell, Professor of Trumpet, Memorial University of Newfoundland

"Mike Herriott's pops program was a tour de force. His good-humoured journey through the trumpet repertoire went down well with our audiences. I hope audiences elsewhere have a chance to experience his virtuosity."
-Michael Aze, General Manager, Victoria Symphony

"His great versatility well to the fore, with music by Hummel and Haydn, jazz classics by Ellington and others."
-Derek Barker, Times Colonist

"Mike Herriott is a consummate musician. 'The Trumpet Shall Sound' displays his immaculate interpretations of the concerti of Haydn and Hummel, his prodigious technique in show stoppers such as 'The Flight of the Bumble Bee' and 'Carnival of Venice', and his creative artistry with his inspired improvisations in such jazz standards as 'So What' and 'A Night in Tunisia'. Moreover, the show is benefited by excellent musical arrangements, which are challenging and engaging for the orchestra. The range of music covers a broad emotional base and the capacity audiences were noticeably moved, exhilarated and entertained."
-Kenji Fuse, Principal Viola, Victoria Symphony

"..Mike is an exceptional player…..he has extraordinary chops. He has lip which allows him to play in the altissimo register and fingers to burn. This is stratospheric playing at its finest. That having been said, he can play the most refined Hummel concerto you can imagine, and bring tears to the eyes with the simple elegance of Trumpeter’s Lullaby."
-Stephen Smith, General Manager, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra

"It was a great pleasure to work with Mike on his 'Trumpet Shall Sound' show. It was really one of the best put together 'Pops' programs I have done in my 25 years in the business. I have worked with some big names in that time, including Frank Sinatra and Henry Mancini. The charts were every bit as impressive but more importantly it had a real soul that the audience and performers got caught up in. I have heard from many people who attended and every last one commented on Mike’s dynamic playing. His very comfortable style put them at ease at once so they could really enjoy themselves. I think other orchestras across North America would be wise to grab the show and reap the benefits from it. There are just too few concerts out there that even compare to this."
-Keith Macleod, Principal Clarinet, Victoria Symphony

"Speaking as a musician of the Victoria Symphony I can't say enough good things about Mike Herriott’s show. It was extremely well put together and organized with a perfect balance of jazz and classical, upbeat and ballad, solo and orchestral music. The jazz charts, arranged for the show, were very well written for orchestra and suited the Pops format perfectly. His playing was superb throughout. We did 7 shows altogether and Mike was the consummate professional for each one. His technical prowess, sensitive approach to ballads and delicate classical playing made the show a delight to play and listen to."
-Janet Parker, Principal Horn, Victoria Symphony