“Shake, rattle and roll”, yes there’s some good vibrations going on in Lala land once again. 5.4 on the Richter today! I lived in LA during the last big Northridge Quake, what a trip! LA always reminds me of a concert I had the privilege to attend while out there. It was dedicated to Dizzy Gillespie and held at the Hollywood Bowl, “To Diz with Love-Celebrating the Dizzy Gillespie Diamond Jubilee,” with Slide Hampton as Musical Director-and of course playing his bone. Freddie Hubbard played the lead trumpet part, along with a fairly young Roy Hargrove. Clark Terry, Harry “Sweets” Edison and Claudio Roditi were also playing in the trumpet section. At one point Dizzy came on stage all decked out in a bright yellow leisure suit and, of course, received an immediate standing ovation. Having been a fan of his since middle school, it was quite a treat. James Moody, David Sanchez and Paquito D’Rivera held down the saxophone section.
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Wicked Connie
July 29, 2008 By Leave a Comment
As Doc Severinsen has correctly pointed out, practice and how we practice is essential to how well we play. However, a quality instrument can make a world of difference in the finished playing produced. Some of the earliest types of trumpets dating to around 1500 BC, although quite inventive and interesting, were likely very difficult to play well. In comparison to the historic trumpets our predecessors played, the old ad proclaiming ‘you’ve come a long way baby’, should ring out. In fact, some of the horns on the market today are downright pieces of art and beauty!
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