All is still well on the practice front. I will admit to focusing more of my time on trumpet technique than actual music making. Part of it is due to my almost mindless state when coming home from work. As stated in a previous message I find it difficult to be creative and make music when my brain is still whirling with bits, bytes and chunks of computer code. I have been spending a lot of time with leadpipe buzzing, long tones, Clarke #1, a series of Schlossberg lips slurs ascending and descending followed by some articulation studies. I finish it off with some pencil exercises while watching the late night news. It may actually be more of an intense workout than I do when my mind is free to focus on music and improvisation but I really want to get back to doing that as well. I am still under the impression that I need to focus on the things that make me a better trumpet player right now and these exercises are doing just that. To become the improviser that I want to be the trumpet needs to get out of the way and let more of ME come through. It is definitely a barrier in this early stage of the game but hard work will fix that.

I've had the mouthpiece itch over the past few days. It all boils down to my tone. I love the size and feel of my Bach megatone 2C but it still seems a tad dark. I've been listening to a lot of Freddie Hubbard and Donald Byrd. While they are both known for their technique I adore their tone. They can hold a single note and it sends goose bumps down my spine. Anyway — I tried a standard Bach 2C but the rim was WAY too flat and uncomfortable. The megatone is more rounded which seemed strange to me as I thought the only difference was in mass. I may try something else but I am married to the 2C size and cup depth. I still don't know if my dark tone is due to equipment, my short 2 years playing experience or a combination of both.