This project is a dream come true for me, and I welcome you to the Power Brass Chops community! After a long career as a Brass Player and Teacher, I switched careers in 1999 and put my horn down for 8 years while starting a new career and having triplets (well my wife did that but I was there!). I finally picked it back up 2 years ago and began the process of rebuilding my chops. I had forgotten how much I missed playing my instrument, and it was very frustrating to be so out of shape and not able to do things like when I was in my prime.
I put the techniques in my book, How To Develop Power Brass Chops, to use and quickly regained my basic chop strength. It allowed me to join a very successful Funk/Fusion band in Austin called “UNCLE BRUNO”. I have played with that group now for 2 years and have loved every minute of it. But I have still missed the TEACHING part of my former career, and I decided to form a community of Brass Players and Teachers so that we can assist each other and have a lot of fun.
I welcome any comments and questions you may have. Enjoy your involvement with our community, and please contact me if I can be of assistance in any way!
Continuing with the theme of “power” horn sections, let’s talk about one of my all-time favorites — EARTH, WIND, & FIRE.
I remember as a kid that every time an Earth, Wind, and Fire song would come on that I would get GOOSE BUMPS from the horn lines! And that was before I even played an instrument.
The horn arrangements for this legendary group are all about extremes – one song has high, piercing power riffs and then the next one has low, sensual, smooth tones that make you melt with satisfaction. And they played both styles extremely well. Just an awesome combination.
Two of my favorite tunes that show off their ability to do both styles are:
Serpentine Fire
and
After The Love Is Gone
“Serpentine Fire” makes you want to go out and yell something encouraging and positive to the whole world – it is upbeat, high energy, and intense. The horn parts reflect this completely — what incredible chops these guys had!
If you’ve ever had your heart broken, then “After The Love Is Gone” will absolutely hit you in the gut with emotion. The sensuous horn lines are perfect compliments to the soaring lyrics . It won 1979 Grammy Awards for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance by a Group plus Best Rhythm & Blues Song.
I still to this day listen to Earth, Wind, and Fire recordings. They continue performing live concerts all over the world and do multiple shows in Vegas every year.
Thanks for checking out my blog and please post a comment!
OK, so I’m going to date myself a little bit here but as a Brass Player I feel so lucky to have grown up listening to the POWER horn sections of groups like:
Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Tower of Power
Earth, Wind, and Fire
and of course ——– Chicago
As a young trombone player I dreamed of someday being able [...]
So, what is it about the UK and their female trumpet players?! Here is another great trumpet artist – met her on Twitter and checked out her Webpage —-
CLICK HERE to listen to a few of the studio projects she has played for.
Thanks for sharing Kate!
Hey all Trumpeters,
If you haven’t already joined, you might want to consider the ITG.
From their website:
The International Trumpet Guild is a world-wide organization of trumpeters, formed to promote communication among trumpet players around the world and to improve theartistic level of performance, teaching, and literature associated with the trumpet. ITG’s more than 7,000 members represent [...]
Here is a fantastic recording from his younger days – Arturo Sandoval is one of the premiere POWER trumpet players in the world, and he has still got it! Enjoy!
Today’s featured Brass Artist is Douglas Yeo — you can check out his webpage here:
http://www.yeodoug.com
Many great resources, tips, downloadable PDF files, etc.
I have been asked many times who I want to be like when it comes to playing my horn, and that is a very tough question. I have so many Brass Players that have been direct or indirect influences on me that making a comprehensive list would be impossible, but here is a short list [...]
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