Try it before you trash it!
One of my all-time goals was to make a brass ensemble arrangement/transcription sound as impressive as a string ensemble. In my opinion, it was accomplished with this work by G.F. Handel. We all would (should) admit that there is nothing as rich and warm as a string ensemble and to expect brass instruments to even come close to this wonderful sound would be impossible. As you listen to my recording, realize that even though I am satisfied with the results, there is still room for improvement. You might wonder why I am so excited about this combination of instruments and…
Political issues are things you should not address in a Blog such as ours, and I agree with this notion. But when it comes to financial stability, slave labor practices and out-right theft of intellectual property, I cannot stand by without expressing my feelings. In America, we are free to make your own decisions, but please continue reading to get a bigger picture of what a lower price will cost us. I spent this morning viewing a site online that greatly disturbed me. The heading read, “Best Trumpet China Trade,Buy China Direct From Best Once I recovered from the grammatic,…
When you reach the ripe old age of eighty years, nothing seems to impress you when it comes to birthday celebrations. Not until you experience what I recently enjoyed. It began with the usual birthday wishes on the net, in the mail and along the street. My wonderful wife blessed me with new limbs for my re-curved bow, a Bonsai planting kit and a very cozy travel blanket; all very thoughtful gifts, and greatly appreciated. But what came next was the “perfect high note at the end of a cadenza”! That evening I was treated to a fantastic meal shared by our entire…
If you have been following our “every two-year update” on the evolution of this creative musician, the name Victor Haskins might be familiar. My first encounter with Mr. Haskins’ musical abilities prompted my first post back in 2012- Please welcome Victor Haskins – Trumpet Blog (thetrumpetblog.com) Our second post Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to our stage, Mr. Victor Haskins”. – Trumpet Blog (thetrumpetblog.com)followed on August 24, 2015. The third post, entitled My “2017” Update on our Friend Victor Haskins – Trumpet Blog (thetrumpetblog.com) appeared on January 6, 2017. The fourth installment appeared on this site on April 7, 2019- Victor Haskins Revisited, again and again…
Why you might ask is today the “Official Mouthpiece Cleaning Day” It’s because I declared it and it happened to be the day I needed to clean my mouthpieces……. So, be sure to do the following to insure that your mouthpiece is as clean as it should be. It is possible to play with a dirty mouthpiece as demonstrated by one of my outstanding teachers- When I got a call from Don Jacoby to sub for him on a gig in a local club I naturally said yes. When I got to the club, I had some extra time and because “Jake’s”…
True Art Comes in Many Forms Recently I have been visiting with a master of engraving who contacted me via our Facebook page. His first work was made for a talented young trumpeter and given to him as a present! After visiting more with this gentleman, I was able to learn more about his work and in further exchanges, I learned that he is originally from Hungary and now lives in Japan. He began as an accomplished glass engraver thirty-five years ago and began applying his talents to musical instruments only two years ago. Mr. Majzik uses a different technique…
There has always been street bands but the group “Lucky Chops” has raised to bar to the stars. This young and talented ensemble is off the charts when speaking of showmanship, energy and creativity. Their non-stop performances will make most listeners want to go home and take a nap. Check out just a couple examples of their performances and be sure to catch them live if you happen to live in the New York area. The Lucky Chops are a New York-based band, formed in 2006. They started in Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and were founded by sousaphone player…
By Brock Radke (contact) Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 | 2 a.m. Learning new skills has become standard operating procedure for most of us during the pandemic. It’s no different for the many talented musicians making a living in Las Vegas. For Jerry Lopez and his band Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns, adjusting to a new, temporary existence without live performances meant building a new way to spread their music to the masses. The result is a livestream concert taking place every other Monday, broadcast from the Copa Club at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro just south of the Strip…