Where did the trombone go wrong? Is it just that it’s an awkward looking instrument? I once had a young woman approach me after a performance to tell me how “visually attractive” the trombone was. I had to question either her sanity or sobriety…or both. Nevertheless, I was glad to hear […]
I was reading Bob Bernotas’ book “Top Brass” during my travels over the weekend. The book is a wonderful collection of essays that provide thumbnail sketches of many of the legendary brass players of jazz while also including interviews and a section of “master classes” from the likes of Steve Turre, Art Baron, Conrad […]
How much is gained from being “right”? Is realizing your truth its own reward? Should it be? I’ve found myself in discussions, at many times in my life, with folks whom I respect yet disagree. In my youth, an argument would ensue. Passion would ooze from my pores as I […]
Animals just keep getting smarter while humans keep getting dumber.-Bob Belden
note-it made real sense at the time.
I was listening to a podcast by New Orleans based trombonist/composer/musician Jeff Albert earlier today, and…as is often the case when I speak with Jeff…my thought process was roused from slumber. He mentioned a NYT article about the band Korn and the business model that they’ve created with their recording label, promoter and manager. […]
Every year around this time I begin to feel anxious and a tad stir crazy. Where’s the work? At the close of the calendar year, I start preparing myself for it. I tell myself that it’ll be nice to have more free time to catch up on things….rekindle old friendships….or give my […]
Throughout my education, my teachers advised me to practice slowly. It took me 20 years to really understand the importance of it. Maybe if I had paid more attention way back when, I would have understood sooner. But, given that life is a marathon and not a sprint, I’m happy to have […]
In our post 9/11 and Katrina world which requires that more be spent on fuel and security, airlines entice us to book flights that are most convenient for their schedule by waving the juicy carrot of economy fares. This usually means that we either take 3 planes instead of one…(I’ve never understood the advantage […]