During my last master class Jeff Antoniuk informed us that we were going to be visited by some press folks to do a story on the jazz program.  I didn’t really think anything about it at the time (I was too busy dreading my solo on A Train).  After church my wife and I rode down to a store to pick up a copy to check out.  I did NOT expect to see my big head plastered right on the front page of the Lifestyle section.  I would have much rather seen a picture of the entire group instead.  Not sure how I feel about it but I do feel as if I need to step up my game so I will not only LOOK like a player…  I gotta sound like one too.  Click on the picture to view a larger version….

This was a good week in terms of getting my focus back. For about a month, I felt fairly focused on my trumpet fundamentals but I truly felt that my jazz practice was wandering aimlessly. While I realize that the two are closely related (if not one and the same) it bothered me quite a bit. As usual my return to the correct path was a result of taking a lesson from my teacher. Not only did he get me back on track with what I should be working on in relation to jazz, he gave me some very helpful direction with regards to my fundamentals (timing of the breath!). Simple things that I had forgotten are now firmly back in my mind and I can get back to serious job of improving as a player. I realize now that I stayed away from his instruction way too long.

Before the lesson I watched a DVD featuring Art Farmer at the Smithsonian. It truly amazed me at how relaxed Art was while playing. He moved effortlessly through all registers of his flugelhorn, speaking the language and making music as if it were second nature. It was pretty impressive and reminded me of the relaxed state that I strive for when I play. To reinforce this concept, I noticed that my teacher did the exact same thing. We were working on “Autumn Leaves” and he was playing the head of tune… while playing the melody (beautiful tone, articulation and ornamentation) he adjusted the volume on the CD player, pulled up a chair, moved a music stand… all effortless. He did the same thing while soloing and trading 4s. It was like walking, breathing and chewing gum. It blew me away and reminded me of how tension was not needed in order to make music. I’m going to get a chance to watch him repeat that effortless and creative playing on October 6th at Blues Alley. I’m looking forward to it as I have not had the pleasure of hearing him play anywhere other than our lessons.  I don’t say it a lot here on my site but he is one of the main reasons why I have had any measure of success behind the horn.  Thanks a million Chris.

I also had a chance to try out his Yamaha 731 flugelhorn. I liked it (LOVED IT) so much I am trying to sell my Couesnon so I can purchase it. I never thought I would click with a silver flugel (they tend to be too bright) but this one was really nice. I also have my eye on the Jupiter 846RL.  If anyone out there is looking for a flugelhorn or knows someone looking – tell them to contact me. It is a great horn (with a great price) and Charlie Melk restored it to perfect condition.