Jazz Trombone Teaching Tips

Archive for the ‘Technique’ Category

Steve Turre, playing the title track, “Rainbow People” of his 14th album
Steve Turre on trombone and shells, Kenny Garrett on Alto Saxophone, Sean Jones on trumpet and flugelhorn, Mulgrew Miller on piano, Peter Washington on bass, Ignacio Berrao on drums, Pedro Martinez on percussion

Wanting to study a modern era jazz trombone player with a personalized approach that has also invested time, energy, and respect in jazz tradition? Steve Turre is that trombone player.

In Steve’s early career he mentored under Woody Shaw in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and in Woody’s ensemble. Also, the great J.J. Johnson was a role model (as for all of us!), and spoke openly about his enthusiasm and support for Steve.

Steve is a prolific performer, composer, and arranger invloving many diverse styles including jazz, Latin, and pop.  Some of the groups that he has performed with include Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, J.J. Johnson, Herbie Hancock, Lester Bowie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Van Morrison, Pharoah Sanders, Horace Silver, Max Roach, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Also of note is his innovation where he includes his masterful playing of conch shells.

Regarding Steve’s technique, listen for his individual style, sound, and rhythmically oriented playing.  Note his ability in reacting spontaneously with the rhythm section, and his ability to develop a solo and tell a story.  Also, note his use of double tonguing for multiple articulation.

One thing that strikes me about Steve is his continual contribution and follow through.  I have seen him live several times, and been honored to interact at a few events where he was showcased.  When improvising live, he simply will accept nothing less than maximum energy, and commitment.

I remember listening to his solo live at Ryle’s in Boston, MA I believe.  He was playing a great extended solo, and the form of the tune was coming around.  I thought, he’s got to be done, not sure what else he could say.  Many players might have stopped there.  Not Steve, he kept going giving the fellow musicians and the audience more than what we expected – it got even better!

Not only does Steve contribute through performing at high profile concerts, and also as a recording artist. He also gets involved with the community by performing with local colleges, often offering a master’s class or clinic related to the event where the students are impacted through getting a chance to ask questions and interact on an informal level.

Included below, and in five coming posts are video and audio examples of Steve’s performances.

Never had a chance to say thanks for that performance in Boston so many years ago – thanks Steve!

Enjoy!

Steve Turre Quartet live at New Morning, 2004

Carl Fontana with the Metropole Orchestra
Recorded May 23rd, 1988: AVRO TV Holland – Music Hall By Pim Jacobs

Carl Fontana playing, “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”

Carl Fontana playing the beautiful ballad, “Emily”

Carl Fontana playing, “Surrey With The Fringe On Top”

Carl Fontana playing, “I Thought About You”

Carl Fontana playing the blues!

Does your stress level increase when you’re on the band stand, and the band leader counts the tune off fast enough that it sounds like the drums may just take flight like a jet engine? How on the trombone can we keep up?

Carl Fontana, the great jazz trombonist provides us a path to follow. His playing is so incredibly efficient and relaxed. On top of that, he swings like there is no tomorrow at all tempos. Please see the video example below.

Listen for his resonant tone, facilitated by his relaxed approach. Watch his embouchure, how little it moves. Also, notice how relaxed his right hand is.

Two other innovations that he provides us are his use of multiple articulation, called doodle tonguing; and his use of alternate positions. Regarding alternate positions, he is not only connecting slide positions that are close together, but also aware of continual movement in the same direction.

Following this post will be five other videos, and one sound clip as examples of Carl’s amazing playing.

For detailed biography information for Carl Fontana click here

Thank you Carl for your music!

Enjoy!