”The Study of Big Bands”. There have been lots content written about big bands from the fabled Big Band Era. However, the big band has lived through some miraculous periods of time. Some people think the idea and genre of the big band are ”dead”. I totally disagree. In my area of the country there areover 30 big bands that are involved with schools, communities and that play professionally. Let’s talk about how it all affects the music world!
Episodes
Monday Jun 22, 2020
Monday Jun 22, 2020
We are looking at Lead Alto Saxophone this week. My good friend (and favorite Lead Alto player) Tim Harker joins me to talk about our days at YSU, his approach to the lead alto chair and the importance of learning, listening and doubling on other instruments. Check this one out!!
Monday Jun 15, 2020
Monday Jun 15, 2020
This week you get very little of me and a whole lot of my guest, trombonist, composer, arranger and band leader John Fedchock! There was so much great stuff I just let the tape roll and put it all in this weeks episode. Enjoy!!
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
Wednesday Jun 10, 2020
This Monday, we talk with incredible composer, arranger, trombonist John Fedchock about the role of the lead bone in a big band. You'll hear some fantastic insights from someone who not only knows how to play in a big band but to write for it! Check it out this coming Monday!
Monday Jun 08, 2020
Monday Jun 08, 2020
This week's episode is not to be missed!! We talk about the role of the piano in a big band with the incerdible Tamir Hendelman! He has an awesomely well-rounded perspective and approach from his work with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, the Jeff Hamilton trio as well as his own trio. Thoughtful and analytical, this one has a lot to cover and you'll enjoy every minute!
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
This week, we talk about the role of the piano in a big band with Tamir Hendelman!
The key (pun intended) to the role of the piano player is not only to know what to play, but also when to play it. Tamir is an absolute master of this whether he is playing int he Jeff jamilton Trio, The Clayton Hamilton Jazz orchestra, or leading his own group.
Tune in and check out this great interview. You definitely do not want to miss it!
Monday Jun 01, 2020
Monday Jun 01, 2020
This week, we step back from the big band building process to talk to Vanguard Jazz Orchestra saxophonist Ralph Lalama. Living in New York city and As a 37 year member of the VJO, he's worked with everyone included Thad and Mel. Ralph talks about his first experiences and iopportunities as a 22 year old musician and provides some insight on chasing your passion as a musician.
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Tuesday May 26, 2020
With the holiday, we pushed back to Tuesday for the newest episode!! This week is all about that bass...trombone!! After an email I received, I decided that bass trombone needed more time to be discussed. Playing roles as supportive and leading, this chair truly is the anchor of the big band. Check it out!!
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
The baritone sax got all the love last week. This week we revisit and get more in depth about the role of the bass trombone when we are Building The Big Band. Check it out this coming Monday!!
Monday May 18, 2020
Monday May 18, 2020
Let's take the low road for this week! The continuing saga of Building The Big Band spends time with the bottom dwellers of the group...bass bone and bari sax! Hear how these instruments were minor players in the early days and the swing era, but then took a predominant and leading role in the past half century.
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Time to go back and get low. This week we work on "Building The Big Band" by talking about the roles of the bottom dwellers in the horn section...the baritone sax and bass trombone.
These players share the same range but come from different families. Their job is to create a tonal foundation for the band, lock in with the bass player and make sure they are supporting all of the horns.
Chuck McHenry (Baritone Sax of the SAO) joins me to talk about his thought process of having to lock it in and lay it down with the Bass Bone
Coming up this Monday.