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 of some of my favorites:
J.J. Johnson – trombone – smooth, smooth, smooth – I learned to double tongue by listening to this guy – awesome
Bill Watrous – trombone – pure monster of technique and speed
Slide Hampton – trombone – love his style – can’t believe he played “lefty” – wow – that’s hard on trombone
Ashley Alexander – trombone – this man died at a young age and it is such a shame – he was an Oklahoma product – phenomenal high range – if I had to pick ONE player to be like it would be him on trombone
Frank Rosolino – trombone – Stan Kenton band player for many years – incredible improvisationist
Artur Pryor – trombone – from the “old school” list – early 1900’s – Blue Bells of Scotland, etc. -
Christian Lindberg – trombone – jaw-dropping range, technique, entertainment ability — he has it ALL
Big Sam – trombone – of Big Sam’s Funky Nation – plays in New Orleans and almost blows the bell off the end of the horn
Miles Davis – trumpet – one of the most “cerebral” musicians in history – used SILENCE like no other player
Clifford Brown – trumpet – wow, that’s all I have to say about this man
Freddie Hubbard – trumpet – fun, fun, fun player to listen to
Wynton Marsalis – trumpet – how can you match his Classical and Jazz combination – a true virtuoso
Arturo Sandoval – trumpet – absolute FREAK OF NATURE – one of the most powerful players in history!
Roy Hargrove – trumpet – I saw him play in high school in Texas – phenomenal player and person
Maynard Ferguson – trumpet – high chops all day – so fun to see live!
Man, there are so many others that are not so well-known — there are many from my days at North Texas and the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps – seemed like those places both bred them like rabbits. We are lucky in Austin, TX to have such an incredible music scene – I get to see many great Brass Players right here in my own back yard too.
The point of this post – LISTEN TO LOTS OF DIFFERENT PLAYERS! It will serve you well.
Until next time!
Allen
