lead trumpet

Everything You Need to Swing Your Butt Off

 

Here’s another great example of legendary lead trumpeter, Al Porcino, swinging his butt off with the Terry Gibbs Dream Band.

At 2:07 you’ll learn how to articulate and accent upbeats to lead the ensemble (and swing your butt off) without “shouting.”

At 2:57, you’ll hear the trumpet section–in unison–laying into the syncopation and some big, fat beats 2 and 4 on a simple quarter note line. When the section splits off into harmony, Al leads the ensemble with some laid-back, relaxed shakes and tasty vibrato to introduce the next solo. Can you say swinging?

Finally, you’ll want some good headphones and speakers for 4:38. Leading the band through Holman’s “soft shout,” Al is no slacker with his articulation. And as the band stomps into the shout chorus, you’ll hear the open-ended releases, dynamic shading and relaxed sound in the upper register that made Al one of the greats.

IT’S ALL THERE, FOLKS.

You can have all of the Terry Gibbs Dream Band Charts–68 swingers played by the best–by purchasing the Terry Gibbs Lead Trumpet Transcriptions.

Evil Eyes; Composer/Arranger: Bill Holman; Lead Trumpet: Al Porcino; Album: Terry Gibbs Dream Band Vol. III “Flying Home”

Terry Gibbs Dream Band: Lead Trumpet Transcription Book (Introduction)

Hello my trumpet-playing friends! If you’re curious about what’s inside the Terry Gibbs Dream Band: Lead Trumpet Transcriptions book, this post shares the book intro as well as the list of charts. Full clickable Youtube playlist / table of contents below!!!

Enjoy these swingers!

The Embouchure Change Chronicles: Part 1 (Days 1 – 52)

(Embouchure Change, Day 1)

Many BTB readers are trumpet players embarking on the path of finally getting their playing in order. Sometimes, this is after a long string of consistent practicing and performing, and other times it’s a comeback after many years of not playing at all.

Either way, most of us understand that after that initial burst of motivation there comes the realization of the sheer amount of work it takes to make seemingly small amounts of progress. That, coupled with fact that it can be difficult to know what we even need to practice in the first place, it’s easy to get bummed out and off track. …

RoutineTracker: Spring 2019

(Springtime at BTB)

Hello esteemed BTB reader,

From time to time I receive emails from trumpet players wanting to know what a typical practice day looks like. You know, what to work on, length of practice sessions, how many sessions…that kind of thing.

Since people seem interested, BTB’s “RoutineTracker” is where you’ll find what I’m working on and how I’m working on it. Of course, I’m just some guy, and what I practice is not particularly important. Still,  you may enjoy cross-referencing your own routine against another trumpet players.

Here’s “RoutineTracker: Spring 2019.” …

Trumpet Year in Review: What Worked (And What Didn’t) in 2017

Here we find ourselves again; another year down, one step closer to the grave.

Let’s put some pep in that step with the annual, “BTB Year in Review!”

Here’s what worked (and what didn’t) in 2017: …

Michael Davis Interviews Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s Lead Trumpeter, Nick Marchione

Here’s a fabulous interview by Michael Davis feat. the great NYC lead trumpet player Nick Marchione. Nick’s work with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been largely influential to me, and this interview covers a lot of great information including his work with and how he became the lead trumpet player for the Vanguard band, how to develop a great musical concept, his top five influences as a lead trumpet player (the list might surprise you), what he looks for in a section player, a hilarious anecdote about his experiences as a young working player, and his views on the differences between New York and Los Angeles (I completely agree with his observations on time).

Check it out, it’s super hip….bone……..music. …

Arnie Chycoski Lead Trumpet “The Waltz I Blew for You” (Video and Playing Analysis)

waltz

Last night after everyone had gone to bed, I was laying on the couch listening to jazz. After checking out the normal stuff I dig these days, I got a little bored and asked myself, “what do I really want to listen to?”

Two tunes instantly popped into my head, and the second of which I was able to find online using my phone, so I went with that.

It was Rob McConnell’s recording of “The Waltz I Blew for You,” from the 1980 album “Present Perfect.” Now, if you don’t know about this record, check it out. It’s awesome. This particular chart is fantastic with great solos by Eugene Amaro on flute, Sam Noto on trumpet, and of course, our man Arnie Chykoski is playing his *ss off on lead trumpet. I had this side on LP in college, and listened to it until it melted. Seriously. Those Texas summers are hot. …