“The Hawk”, that is what they call (or at least used to call), the wind in “The Windy City”-Chicago. (They might have a few other choice words for it in the winter too!) But, could it be the sailor’s friend? A respite in summer? Sightread on….
We are working towards offering you Dr. Campbell’s most excellent Fanfare for Trombones and other solo and chamber works for trombone. We are grateful to Dr. Campbell and his wife Eileen, for this wonderful opportunity to continue his legacy. Enjoy!
david brubeck.com is delighted to continue our tradition of offering some of the finest material available by presenting the work of Dr. Steve Eckert, prominent South Florida trombonist. Dr. Eckert has written a dissertation re-examining the panoply of breathing exercises through the prism of his experiences as an asthmatic and a professional trombonist. We have serialized his work and are beginning with physiology…. Enjoy!
c. Steven Eckert All Rights Reserved
You Are My Sunshine, Duo Brubeck featuring Mitch Farber
Please click the link above to enjoy on Vimeo!
Music can make you move! Military marches are one thing, but the Spanish Army wanted to move twice as fast! Please enjoy this etude by composer, trombonist and Professor of Music at the University of Miami, Dr. Charles Campbell. Note the rhythmic vibrancy and shifting from two to three! Enjoy…
Where can you begin? With Micha Davis, it all seems to come from the heart. Passion for music and love for the bass trombone took him on a whirlwind tour from tenor trombone to Chicago and the waiting arms of the Leonard Bernstein and the Israeli Philharmonic, only to be danced away (from time to time) by the pied piper of the bass trombone-George Roberts! While he may be the last of the single valve bass trombonists, Micha Davis plays ALL the notes. “Seven Positions” tm is delighted to feature the Middle-Eastern master of the bass trombone! Enjoy…..
1. Where did you train on on bass trombone? How has it affected your approach tothe instrument and to music? Is it similar or different than the approach of your colleagues?
I wasn’t planning on becoming a bass trombonist. I was a principal trombonist in another orchestra, but there was an opening for bass trombone in the Israel Philharmonic, and since I had an old Bach 50 at home for gigs…I took the audition and won it! I was sent by our conductor, Zubin Mehta, for six months to Chicago to take bass trombone lessons with the low brass players of the CSO of 1983. I also took some lessons with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra’s Don Harwood and then returned to Israel to my exciting job, right to recordings with Leonard Bernstein!
2. How do you balance the classical/commercial leanings of the bass trombone and your heart? What kind of opportunities have you found to play?
I like to play Jazz, and from time to time play with some big bands trying to sound like George Roberts.
3. What do you look for in an instrument, and how has it changed over career?
Since I only have problems with my left elbow, I can only play single valve bass trombones and if they feel good to hold and have a nice fat sound I buy them-but I always come back to my first Bach. He looks old, but I feel at home with him more than the others.
4. Who are your inspirations?
I practiced mainly Eliezer Aharoni’s bass trombone book and listened mainly to Ray Premru and George Robert’s recordings for inspiration.
5. What is your secret to a great legato?
My legato is from my teacher, Ray Parnes, who had a very smooth singing legato.
6. Do you use different instruments (bass trombone) for different things, or the same instrument with different concepts?
I have two Kanstuls, one yellow and one red that I play at home while I keep the Bach in my locker in the hall. These are excellent instruments that I use for gigs, classical and jazz.
7. What are your favorite solos for bass trombone?
My favorite solos are not from the classical world, but rather, George Roberts’ solos. His solos in The Joy of Living with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra; in “Ok, Alright, You Win, I’m in Love With You” with Dick Noel; All My Friends Are Trombone Players from Tommy Pederson.
8. What would it surprise someone who has never visited Israel to know about your country?
Israel is very small, but full of contrasts in the climates, landscapes and people. Don’t come during the summer-it’s too damn hot!
c. 2020 David William Brubeck All Rights Reserved.
Interested in more “Seven Positions” tm Interviews?
Charlie VernonJames MarkeyChris BrubeckDoug YeoJeremy MorrowTom EverettGerry Pagano Ben van DijkRandall HawesDenson Paul PollardThomas MattaFred Sturm Bill ReichenbachMassimo Pirone Erik Van Lier Jennifer WhartonMatyas VeerStefan Schulz
Miami’s Own Duo Brubeck, featuring Lindsey Blair. Comforting music for friends in Miami and all over the world. Hang in there!
