Trumpeter Rolf Smedvig Dies Suddenly- Another loss to the trumpet world
The name Rolf Smedvig may not be on many peoples lips but his reputation among trumpet players is well known. Flamboyant, at times self-centered and overly confident were characteristics we all saw in him. His talents as a great trumpet player were also well known and envied by most of…
The Many Faces Of Swing
Some swing, some try to swing and some cannot swing. Commercial musicians dread the thought of having a “Legit” musician in their section just as orchestral musicians shudder at the thought of having a “Jazzer” join their section. Each ensemble is capable of executing the proper articulation and emphasis with…
So, You want to learn how to Circular Breath?
This video was sent to me by one of our wonderful readers and I had to share it with you because of the segment on circular breathing (4:30). There may come a time in a performance when the phrase is longer than your air supply and having the ability to…
Beverly Sills – 1977- “Let the Bright Seraphim” w/Doc Severinsen
I wanted to share this you you only because the possibility of having these two great musicians together is extremely rare and it also demonstrates that a “Jazzer” can sometimes step up to the occasion when called upon. As you can see, Doc realized the situation he was in and…
The way Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion Should Have Been Written
How many times have we all enjoyed George Frideric Handel’s Oratory, The Messiah and wondered if he had written it incorrectly? I would venture a guess that I may be the only one on the planet. The reason I have even pondered this possibility stems from my preparation for a…
Problems Binding E-Books and Music
Technology has advanced at an incredible rate in the past decade and with it has followed problems which will have to be addressed. Two such developments are the issues of copy right laws and printing E-Books transmitted over the Internet. Small cottage industries have begun to blossom all over the…
At Last, A Better Plunger!
For those who occasionally pick up a plunger to entertain the masses, you may be interested in my new choice. This is available at Lowes for the modest price of $2.24 and with about two minutes to alter the original, you can have the best plunger I have ever used.…
A Little Trumpet Insanity- Pete Barbutti
This may be only entertaining to the older set but to those of us who have lived through the latter part of the Big Band years, these videos will bring back some memories, both good and bad. Pete Barbutti was the comic humorist for every musician and was able to…
“FAST”- Sustained Success w/Simple Slurs
Sometimes I am asked, “Where do you get your ideas to write about”? Today’s post comes from the fact that both my wife and I have been suffering for the past couple weeks with cases of Bronchitis and with this condition, the above mentioned participants find relief by sleeping in…
Oooops!
I just realized that I have not included any material on the great trumpet player Harry James. My apology to you all and do be amazed at what he was capable of producing.