Jazz Trombone Teaching Tips

Posts Tagged ‘Carl Fontana’

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!