What's New?

The site has been down for a while but that didn't mean I quit playing (a lot of folks assumed I had).  Things have been going well and I want to thank everyone who emailed me periodically to see how I was doing.  I really appreciate it.  A few updates...

I've joined the Jazz Band Master Class again in late 2007 to keep myself playing with other musicians and learning tunes on a regular basis.  The spotty gig here and there wasn't cutting it.  I've discovered that there really is no substitute for this.  Back in the day cats learning jazz played with others daily -- either jamming or gigging.  This is vital to growth!  I honestly do not think you can improve as a player if you confine yourself to the basement playing with Aebersolds.  The master classes give me an opportunity to turn all of the 12 key-lick-chord-pattern-ear practice into solos that mean something.  Isn't that what it's all about?  There is also the thrill of having to create a solo over a tune you've never seen before.  I'm still trying to catch my breath from soloing over John Scofield's "I'll Catch You" -- great tune and great fun.

I am also attending Jamey Aebersold's Summer Jazz Camp this year.  Really looking forward to that and will hopefully share my experience here on the site.  Stay tuned for more there...

Trumpet vs. Flugelhorn

Over the past few months I've been wrestling with a decision. My decision revolved around continuing to play trumpet or switching to flugelhorn as my main axe (ala Art Farmer and Dmitri Metheny). I think I've finally reached a decision...

I love the sound of the flugelhorn and I love playing it. It's dark, silky, mellow and it almost demands that you approach it in a more laid back and lyrical style. All of that lines up with my preferred type of playing.  When people see you playing a flugelhorn they expect that style of play.  To me, the pressure to come out swinging for the fences like Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw or Lee Morgan does not come with flugelhorn. 

That reduced pressure allowed me to really get comfortable with the flugelhorn and that came out in my playing.  When I made the switch I got regular compliments on my playing and even invites to join with other groups!  On flugelhorn I felt like I could be myself without fear of judgment and comparison to the trumpet players mentioned in the previous paragraph.  That lack of fear allowed me to really soar with regards to figuring out who I was as a musician.

All of that is cool but I have to stop and think.  Am I not playing trumpet because I like flugelhorn more or am I not playing trumpet because I don't feel I will ever measure up to other players?  In my opinion flugelhorn is bit easier to play than trumpet.  For me it's easier to get a good sound, the range requirements aren't nearly as demanding and the deep V mouthpiece mask my poor articulation. 

If the later is the reason I switched to flugelhorn, and I believe it is -- it's the wrong reason to make the switch. 

I love trumpet.  If you read the About Me section of the site you'll read how I was drawn to jazz from hearing Miles Davis play on Kind of Blue.  By taking an easier path I'm abandoning my love for the instrument -- how can I do that in good consc?

So...

I'm sticking with trumpet as my main axe.  If I am going to be me - I'll be me on trumpet regardless of what people think I should sound like and play like.  All that said I need to step up and address my shortcomings.  I am beginning to like my sound but I need to work to strengthening my embouchure so I can increase my range and endurance.  I need to clean up my articulation and I need to become more comfortable playing on up-tempo tunes (Jazz Band Master Class is wonderful for this).  More importantly, I also need to develop a thicker skin and become comfortable with who am and will be as a player. 

As always seems to be the case on this journey -- I need to man up and put in the work!

SIDE NOTE:  This decision was solidified last night when I saw Dave Ballou perform with the Jeff Antoniuk Jazz Update at 49 West in Annapolis.  They performed tunes by Joe Henderson and Kenny Dorham - two of my favorite players of all time.  It was a great performance and Dave was on fire as usual.  The freedom in his playing is inspiring. 

Of course it is also humbling because I'll never sound as good as him!  Thanks Dave... I think!  :-)