Ernie Bastin - Jazz Valve Trombonist and Photographer
To The Darkside
After playing trumpet for 62 years and teaching trumpet and jazz for 42 years, I have switched to valve trombone. My friends in the trumpet world refer to my move to trombone as "moving to the darkside". Some, certainly not all, of my trombone playing friends, think of my move to valve trombone as falling into a "black hole" , as is found in outer space. Maybe one day I'll learn slide technique and be legitimately acceptable. All I can say is that playing valve trombone, especially one that has been reconditioned and offered for sale through valvetrombonesrus.com is a joy. My new instrument is a reconditioned and relacquered CONN 5G with triggers, made in 1958. It is a beautiful instrument both visually and musically __ a real sweet horn.
A Running Commentary On My Development As A Trombonist
My comments which relate to my development as a trombonist from March 2009 to this point, April 17, 2010 can be found in As A Trombonist Archives. which can be found under the As A Trombonist page listing.
My search for the best mouthpiece for the work that I am doing continues. Yes, I am still dealing with what mouthpiece gives me the most for the energy that I put into it. Most players do not use this size mouthpiece, but for me the Bach 15C is the answer. Yes, I said 15C. And yes it takes courage to use a mouthpiece smaller than that recommended as a beginner's mouthpiece. But guess what? It works for me in a big way. A student here at Ohio University was using it on his alto trombone and another professional player mentioned that it worked well with a bass trumpet. I was intrigued and consequently tried it. The valve trombone is very different from a slide trombone and for me the accepted mouthpieces for trombone didn't produce the usual results. The common thread in the decision making process is sound and endurance, regardless of what mouthpiece you use in acheiving these results. Despite common popular mouthpiece choices, I am choosing the Bach 15C.
A town near where we live is presenting West Side Story __ a great musical score. They haven't been able to find a french horn player so I was asked to fill in on valve bone until they locate a player. Thanks to my transposition skill which is a requirement of professional trumpet players, reading down a perfect fourth wasn't a problem, but the part itself is a challenge. Ok, anything to gain experience on the bone. I made two rehearsals and the conductor seemed happy. The scary part was that at times I sounded like a french horn.
Just wanted to mention that "The Jazztet" is part of a music series on the Ohio River, Rhythm On The River, at Pomeroy, Ohio. If you are interested in more details as well some of the other bands on the series, their website is www.pomeroyblues.org/rhythm. While I am mentioning new venues where you can here "The Jazztet", I want to mention the River City Grill in Parkersburg. Refer to my itinerary page for performance dates and times.
A Running Commentary On My Development As A Trombonist
My comments which relate to my development as a trombonist from March 2009 to this point, April 17, 2010 can be found in As A Trombonist Archives. which can be found under the As A Trombonist page listing.
My search for the best mouthpiece for the work that I am doing continues. Yes, I am still dealing with what mouthpiece gives me the most for the energy that I put into it. Most players do not use this size mouthpiece, but for me the Bach 15C is the answer. Yes, I said 15C. And yes it takes courage to use a mouthpiece smaller than that recommended as a beginner's mouthpiece. But guess what? It works for me in a big way. A student here at Ohio University was using it on his alto trombone and another professional player mentioned that it worked well with a bass trumpet. I was intrigued and consequently tried it. The valve trombone is very different from a slide trombone and for me the accepted mouthpieces for trombone didn't produce the usual results. The common thread in the decision making process is sound and endurance, regardless of what mouthpiece you use in acheiving these results. Despite common popular mouthpiece choices, I am choosing the Bach 15C.
A town near where we live is presenting West Side Story __ a great musical score. They haven't been able to find a french horn player so I was asked to fill in on valve bone until they locate a player. Thanks to my transposition skill which is a requirement of professional trumpet players, reading down a perfect fourth wasn't a problem, but the part itself is a challenge. Ok, anything to gain experience on the bone. I made two rehearsals and the conductor seemed happy. The scary part was that at times I sounded like a french horn.
Just wanted to mention that "The Jazztet" is part of a music series on the Ohio River, Rhythm On The River, at Pomeroy, Ohio. If you are interested in more details as well some of the other bands on the series, their website is www.pomeroyblues.org/rhythm. While I am mentioning new venues where you can here "The Jazztet", I want to mention the River City Grill in Parkersburg. Refer to my itinerary page for performance dates and times.