As renowned jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval prepares for the finale performance of his Blues Alley gig, his thoughts are never far from memories of his mentor, friend and musical colleague, the late Dizzy Gillespie.

“He helped me so much; he took care of me, you know?” said Cuban-born Sandoval. “He really encouraged me to continue practicing, to be confident that someday there would be [musical] recognition.”