We are up to number 22 in a list of 25 fundamentals of horn playing, following the list in the Douglas Hill book. Number 22 is another of the topics that may not seem quite as fundamental as some, the topic of jazz horn.
Where I started
By high school I was listening to jazz often. In college I joined the IHS, and in the very first issue there was a review of a jazz horn record (what!!), which I then purchased, and I still listen to in my office — Song of Light by John Clark. Thinking back on it now, at the time I got it, the record was hugely inspirational. I talk about that a bit more in this article, and still love that record:
Two more articles to highlight
I have previously written also extended articles on jazz horn pioneer Julius Watkins and on the use of the Mellophonium by Stan Kenton – topics (and music) that every serious student of the horn should be familiar with. Check out these two articles:
But is it fundamental?
Yes.
But of course, your ability to play jazz is built on an established foundation of technical fundamentals, including especially sound production, range development, and the fluid ability to play scales in every key. Beyond that, you need to listen and imitate the sounds and styles of great jazz players, just as you would listen to and imitate the sounds and styles of great classical players. With much more to learn beyond that.
In terms of reality, most horn players don’t need to go far into jazz (unless personally very interested), but I think every player should be able to play a melody with a good jazz feel, if only to play pops concerts better. And jazz can be so nice to listen to for a change of pace! Put it in your listening rotation.
When this series returns, the topic will be coordination
Continue reading the Fundamentals Series
