I'm in my 80s so the sound of the big bands and jazz from the likes of Satchmo on the radio was a part of my daily life. At the age of 14 or so I saw a movie called Young Man With A Horn. I thought Kirk Douglas, the star of the movie, was a great trumpet player and wanted to be just like him, and later when I learned it was Harry James who was doing all the playing, I was even more determined to be a great trumpet player.
In my younger playing days ( 1953-65 ) I, like many other younger players, wanted to sound like Harry James. So yeah, I over did the vibrato thing back then, but since my comeback in 2016 I only use vibrato where I feel it enhances the piece I am playing. An example would be sustained notes in a phrase.
The gent who plays French Horn in our band is also a really good trumpet player. He is only playing the French Horn because the conductor is a friend and felt the band needed French Horn more than it needed a 5th trumpet. So he is playing the dang thing as a favor and though he plays well, he hates it when he has to deal with condensation problems. I don't know much about the FH but it doesn't appear to have water keys anywhere.
Hey, Chuck, I remember you.
As for me, I don't have any experience in playing for horses but some of my biggest fans are cats and dogs, and a couple of deer who visit the window of the room where I practice at 5 am every morning.
Nice to see your name here, Chuck.
I am aware that there are artists who are insulted if you say their work looks like a photograph. I've known one personally in the past who threw a punch at me for saying so. I've dabbled with painting myself and tried but never could get that photographic look. I am drawn to art that has that look and I admire the talent of those who can do it. When I made the remark about Wayne's work, I truly meant it as a compliment, and I wasn't worrying about getting slugged because he lives many, many miles away from me...
@BigDub
At first glance I could have sworn I was looking at a photograph. The scene makes me wonder what lies beyond that turn ahead. Fantastic work, Wayne.
@Kehaulani said in Best Valves:
Frankly, good valves mean to me that I am not distracted by their action while I'm playing; that nothing calls attention to them, that they cause no impediment.
In total agreement with this, but if I was forced at gunpoint to say which of my horns feels more notably best I would have to say the 1952 Selmer Paris.
Definitely Austin Custom Brass. I've bought 5 horns from Trent and Company in the past three years: 2 new and 3 used. I live a long way from them so trust was an important consideration for me and they give that to me in spades.
@Kehaulani said in Busy June and July:
They can get to be a challenge. The one I referred to in Palm Springs, most everybody's shirts/blouses were 3/4 soaked through before the first tune was over. Probably the dumbest gig I did along those lines was in a mall parking lot in the middle of summe in L.A. No cover and no audience. They were smarter than to stand on hot asphalt in the blazing sun.
At my age I don't think I could handle that. I'm not so proud that I won't drop out if circumstances dictate. I'd like to live to play another day...
I get what you're saying, Doc. Until last week there was very little scheduled for June and July for us and I've been told there is more coming for August now where we only had two gigs late in the month. Nature of the game, I guess.
There are 2 pending outdoor concerts in late August. One is pretty certain and that concerns me a bit because we can get awfully hot around here in August.
Got the June/July schedule for the band at last night's practice. There are 5 nursing homes in the area and we will be doing a concert at each one of them from June 18th to July 16th.Plus a Gospel gig at a local Baptist Church and two outdoor concerts the last two weeks in July. LOVE IT !
I admire Kehaulani greatly for his courage and determination and I will now add your name to the list, amzi. My very best wishes go out to you.
@FranklinD
The early ones were definitely Powell horns. After he left Conn Selmer I understand the ensuing Vintage Ones were not as well made. I don't know how true that is, but mine is one of Powell's and I sure do love it.
Congratulations to the buyer. He has bought himself a helluva horn. I know because I played one between 1953 and 1965
@bobmiller1969 said in Finally, I amd playing a Conn Trumpet again:
I saw the listing for this horn on ACB. Hope you are enjoying playing it!!!
Thanks, Bob, I really like this horn.
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom, which is enough for you to have to deal with without having to also deal with family members. My heart goes out to you, Butch.
Thanks, Butch. Hope all is well,
Cheers,
George