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
Posted in Double Tonguing, Jazz Trombone Videos, Jazz Trombonists, Technique | 
Tags: double tonguing, jazz, jazz trombone, jazz videos, Steve Turre, trombone