5 comments about Trumpet Blues: The Life of Harry James.

1. Having known Harry James from 1963 on, as well as being a professional player myself, I enjoyed the book tremendously. There are a couple of glaring inaccuracies however. One was the statement that Harry's solo on "Shine" was left out of the "Benny Goodman Story" just isn't so. I have the movie, and it's in it. Another was the reference to the get-well card signed by all of the top trumpet players in Hollywood to Harry. The author stated that Conrad Gozzo signed it. That would have been a neat trick, because Goz pre-deceased Harry by almost 20 years. I would also have liked to have seen more reference to Ziggy Elman, who, together with Harry basically pioneered the combination of "schmaltz" and pure raw power in their swinging approach to ensemble, as well as solo playing. All in all, however, it was a good read. I recommend it to all who are interested in this titan of trumpet swing. Tony Horowitz



2. Harry James was a titan of the trumpet and Big Bands. We have sorely needed a biography, and I think that this first biography is absolutely superb. Harry James has always been my #1 favorite. "Trumpet Blues" confirms for me James' extraordinary musical contributions but also fleshes out his story with a rich, full treatment of the realities - both good and bad - of his professional and personal lives. Included are excellent materials on his grand musical history, his first wife, the appealing singer Louise Tobin, and his second wife, the marvelous Betty Grable. I came away from the book with a much different and far more realistic vision of Harry James than I had going in - that he indeed was a musical giant (he is still my #1 favorite) but that he also was a human being with his share of personal flaws and imperfections to go with his fine qualities. I am glad that "Trumpet Blues" is here and that I read it.



3. I met Harry in 1974, when I was 14, in between sets at the South Shore Music Circus. He had two trumpet cases, one for his horns and another for something clear he was drinking. As a young trumpet player, he was my idol, and musically still is. The accompanying CD to this bio has some terrific releases on it, but would have been even better had they included "Countin," "One on the House," "Blues for Harry's Sake," and "Bangtail," the key charts from his great comeback band.

   As much as I always wanted to read an account of his life, however, I'm almost sorry I did. Now I know what the clear liquid was, and how badly it tormented the greatest trumpet player ever. The book is interesting, but we still need an account of Harry's super-human technique. What bore did he use on his King, and how did that bore, which I've heard was the largest they ever constructed, mesh with the tiny Parduba mouthpiece. What mouthpiece did he learn on when he was building his chops on circus music, the hardest music in the world?

   And how on earth did he ever manage to perform at such a high level for 45 years with his lifestyle, is unanswered here. Playing at his level after a fifth of bourbon just doesn't seem credible, although if he could drink Phil Harris under the table maybe it was. There is likewise no evidence presented to justify the physical abuse charge levelled against Everette, save for the rapped on the knuckles vignette Harry told to Merv Griffin. There are other munched nuances as well: Harry is placed at Reagan's second inaugural, even though he would have been dead for a year and a half then. It would have been interesting to hear more from FS, Jr., as well. Artie Shaw had it right in this jacket blurb: this is a horribly depressing story. Harry, when I finished it, I cried for you.




4. I originally bought this book when it came out in 1999 and actually spoke with Mr. Peter Levinson putting him on to several contacts when the book was in preparation. I have not chosen to send in my review until now after having reread the book several times.

   Harry James was a phenomenon in the music world: a musician who reached the pinnacle of success in record sales, popularity with the masses, stardom in the glory days of Hollywood musicals and longevity in the big band arena long after the hay days of the big bands. He was a child prodigy, mastering his instrument, the trumpet, at a very early age of fourteen. In two years he was on the road with territory bands and at twenty he was leading the top big band trumpet section in the country with the Benny Goodman band. When he formed his own band at twenty three he already had a body of recorded jazz work equal to all the trumpet giants of his era. He had the blues soul of a Louis Armstrong, Mugsy Spanier and Bix Beiderbecke but because he reached real commercial stardom based on commercial ballads, and, he was WHITE, many of the so called jazz critics of the day demeaned his jazz work and dismissed all his later work. If one traverses the jazz shelves of the local libraries one will be hard pressed to find many references to Harry James listed among the elite jazz icons in any number of jazz histories as reviewed by current so-called jazz critics. These wet behind the ears critics continue to believe you have to be BLACK to have any credibility in jazz. Similarly, one does not see the name of Stan Kenton or Artie Shaw mentioned as much or ever as one sees the names of Basie, Fletcher Henderson or Chick Webb. The truth is, as Gunther Schuller, the noted music historian has noted, Harry James took the jazz trumpet to a new level never before reached in his era or even after. He HAD the blues soul of Louis Armstrong and others but possessed the brilliant and unsurpassed technique of a Rafael Mendez, that earlier giants like Armstrong, Spanier and Beiderbecke could only have dreamed about. Couple that with his turn to hit commercial instrumental-vocal ballads and moderate swing in the early '40's and the subsequent financial rewards, the critics literally turned on Harry James. That is especially disheartening in light of the body of commercial junk Armstrong recorded for literally the last twenty five years of his life and even Miles Davis, with his excursions into so-called jazz rock and fusion, but they never got the critical arrows fired at them as did James.

   The truth is that Harry James was the number one icon to all the trumpet stars who rose with him and for decades after, such diverse talents as Maynard Ferguson, Clifford Brown, Doc Severinsen, Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, Arturo Sandoval, Wynton Marsallis and dozens of others. The "real" critics like Schuller, Leonard Feather and George Simon all agree that Harry James was truly a one and only jazz-big band-trumpet "super star". I first heard him at age seven when an older cousin played Harry's hit recording of "The Flight Of The Bumblebee" for me. I was dazzled and had my parents start me on the trumpet. He was my idol then and some fifty plus years later still is.




5. This book is something that has long been over due,a look at the life and career of arguably the greatest horn player of the bigband era and of all time.The cover for both the hardcover and paperback edition,along with a new greatest hits CD released around the same time,is taken from the cover of one of Harrys' better 50s Capitol Albums "Harrys Choice".
   Often maligned by critics for being schmaltzy and too commercial(a cheap tactic used much too often to put down those they didn't like or that didn't fit their perception of how they thought their music should be played),Harry nevertheless was a master of his instrument and his dedication to his music never wavered.There wasn't a style of music that Harry couldn't play and make it seem effortless and he KNEW what the public wanted to hear.
   This book however is not the volume I would have hoped for.
   The author knew Harry off and on from the late 1950s until his death but his narrative I found to be lacking a definite rhythym
   and progressiveness.He often jumps from story to story and in the telling the timeline often gets muddied and you can find yourself unsure of what year it is he's referring to.
   Also much is made of Harrys' drinking and other sordid aspects of his career.While I'm all for getting at the truth of ones' subject matter sometimes this can be just a little overdone these days while other areas may go wanting.For example I would loved to have learned more about his late 40s period(the recordings,his arrangers,the bebop influence,his live dates,etc)instead of the approximately 10 pages he did write with very little of substance to glean from.
   Also there is NO discography.His short bibliography(only 13 references!)lists "The Complete List of all Harry James Recordings(1995)", so why wasn't this at least used as a starting point by the author to research and obtain his own discography?
   It also contains about 17 pages of photos many of which have been previously published elsewhere.
   In conclusion,all in all this book though LONG overdue is a disappointment from a lack of a good narrative style and information standpoint.However it is a good start and one can only hope the next book that appears on Harry James will compliment this one by filling in many of the gaps left by Mr.Levinson.

1 comments about The Allen Vizzutti Trumpet Method, Book 3 (Melodic Studies).

1. Our grandson started playing the trombone 3 years ago. He is doing very nicely with it; but preferred to try the trumpet. This year I bought him the 3 trumpet books so he can help himself and review what he knows. He is doing great with the trumpet now. He hopes to play in the high school marching band with either the trumpet or trombone. Then he plans to go to OSU and be with TBDBITL.

5 comments about A Physical Approach to Playing the Trumpet.

1. I've seen lots of trumpet books but never anything like this. It transformed my playing instantly just by going to the section on embouchure. I must admit I was a bit sceptical about what he says in that section - it seemed counter-intuitive to me - but I tried it and it just unlocked the door for me. I began playing with an effortlessness that I had never known before. Mr Asper has a great ability to make you UNDERSTAND what you're doing. If you're serious about improving, I rate this a "must have".



2. This is an excellent book.
   
   It provides a logical and clear approach to learning the trumpet. It has the best explanation I have seen of exactly how sound is produced from a trumpet and how that sound can be improved.
   
   The author's suggestions are straight forward and bring quick results. In my case some issues I had struggled with were finally made clear and I have significantly improved my tone and fluency.
   
   Mr Asper's detailed description of his recommended approach to practice is outstanding, as are the exercises set out in the appendices.
   
   I highly recommend this book.



3. This is a really different way of looking at the hard graft involved in playing the trumpet successfully. In this book the emphasis on the physical side of playing does effectively persuade the reader to revisit and develop a systematic physical approach to aspects of playing that are often overlooked in other tutor books, when attempting to improve basic and advanced techniques. The exercises are well explained and sequential and would appear to suit both the intermediate and professional trumpet player.



4. I have already learned why I have always had such trouble with high C which is that I've always thought I had to stretch the upper lip of the embouchure(sp?) but instead i should have rested the mouthpiece on the lower lip so as to permit the upper lip to vibrate freely. Now I'll have to see if it works.



5. This is a very detailed book which covers the intended topic. If you are looking for a book that covers the physical positioning and motions to form good playing reflexes and habits this is the book for you. It was not the book for me, however.
   
   I was not thrilled with the way the material was presented. I feel that the book should have explained a concept, then provided exercises to reinforce that concept and the reflexes that go along with it. The book does explain the "Physical Approach to Playing the Trumpet" as advertised, but unless you are constantly opening the book and reading the text you will not get the constant reminder that is important to reinforce these reflexes.
   
   In my opinion, most beginners, especially young ones, are not going to have the discipline and/or patience to spend 75% of his or her practice time reading text. 75% of this book is text. 25% of this book is exercises that can be found in any one of 100 other method books.
   
   If you are the student of someone who teaches this method, then by all means buy this book. I am sure you will find this book will not be the main course of your study, but will be an excellent compliment. If you are not taking lessons from a teacher who intends to teach this method and you are looking for a book you can study on your own...skip it...buy Clark's instead. Unless you are disciplined enough to force yourself to read this book weekly, it will likely collect dust.

3 comments about Amazing Phrasing - Trumpet: 50 Ways to Improve Your Improvisational Skills (Amazing Phrasing).

1. I found this book particularly appealing and useful as it was not the usual weighty, daunting volume as are many other books on improvisation. It is also simple to use, clearly laid out and sequential. The exercises can be easily managed by the average amateur player and they give an invaluable insight into how improvisational skills can be developed in relatively simple understandable terms. Most importantly, the authors do not assume at the outset that you are of Juilliard School standard!



2. I bought the book to build and enhance my improv skills. I've been playing the trumpet for 20 years part-time professionally and figured that I could jump right into the book and start jamming. I was wrong. Despite being a musician for this long, I never had an understanding of chord structures, and I found out quickly that you must understand chords if you want to use this book. So, I had to buy a music theory book first and now this book is making more sense to me. I give it 5 stars for usefulness and quality, but 3 for assuming that you know chords first.



3. Very interesting book. It is worth reading, but a quite high level is recommended to really appreciate it. In any case, the accompanying CD is great; you will really feel like playing with a small jazz ensemble.

3 comments about Systematic Approach to Daily Practice for Trumpet: How to Practice What to Practice When to Practice.

1. For whom desires to develop range is a very good system and it realy works. But also develops the sound quality and flexibility and ease to play. The explanations from Claude Gordon are easy to understand and if made in a systematic way any trumpeter of any level will be much better.



2. This is the book that tells you What to practice, How to practice and When to practice.
   This is no quick fix or fast way to higher range.
   What it is, is a plan to become a MUCH stronger player.
   
   You will need to use at least an hour a day (often more and not all at the same time each day) EVERY Day for at least a year.
   
   If you follow the instructions you will be far stronger and more skilled than ever and your friends will want to know what you did.



3. Systematic Approach to Daily Practice for Trumpet: How to Practice What to Practice When to Practice
   This book requres that you have or buy 6 other books to be used with Claude Gordon's book:
   1. Clarke's Technical Studies for Cornet and Trumpet
   2. Lip Flexibility on the Cornet or Trumpet by Walter Smith
   3. Saint-Jacome's Grand Method for Trumpet or Cornet
   4. Lip Flexibilities for Trumpet By Charles Colin
   5. Arbans
   6. Clarke's Characteristic Studies for the Cornet
   If this information was available, I would not have bought it. Your led to beleive Claude Gordon's book is all you need. Not so. The information about these 6 books being needed should be available before you buy.

No comments about 2nd Book of Practical Studies for Cornet and Trumpet.

5 comments about Under the Baseball Moon.

1. The finest contemporary author of baseball books for teens has written not just another baseball - or, in this case, softball - book; rather, a multilayered and thoroughly engrossing love story starring two 15-year-olds determined that this will be their "breakout summer."
   
   Freestyle skateboarder Andy Ramos "paints the town" with his old trumpet and his unique style of music, "cultural fusion." Glory Martinez also has grand dreams, of a career in fast-pitch softball. Yet first she needs to make the travelball team and impress the scout from UC Berkeley.
   
   Andy and Glory soon realize that each makes the other's craft better - takes it to a higher level. But is some strange "outside force" responsible for Andy's breaks, or Glory's shoulder problems? Did Andy make a deal with the devil? What's going on in this "organical beach town filled with soul," Ocean Beach, California?
   
   This magical mystery tale is told with brilliance, grace and style, from the lyrical first page to Andy's song lyrics that end it. "Under the Baseball Moon" gets my vote for breakout book of the summer.
   
   (A version of this review originally appeared in the Palo Alto Weekly.)



2. John H. Ritter returns with another great baseball fable, this time adding the elements of jazz music and a little more romance. Just as in THE BOY WHO SAVED BASEBALL, there is still a bit of possible magic and some very quirky and entertaining characters, including a protagonist on a mission, Andy Ramos. According to Andy's heartthrob, Glory Martinez, when the moon looms large during a daytime baseball game, it is what fans call "a baseball moon."
   
   Just as Andy and his friends, Tran and Lil Lobo, hope for the success of their garage band, Glory also dreams of being a big softball star. She and Andy discover that his trumpet seems to infuse her softball playing with magical power. A few musical "improvs" on Andy's trumpet, and Glory's pitching and hitting improve "two hundred percent better," according to her best friend, Kayla. Together, the two will do amazing things, under the "baseball moon".
   
   John Ritter weaves his usual magic and creates an even better novel--a little more literarily complex, just as magical, and even funnier than his earlier works. Recommended for ages 11 to 18. (Please see the latest issue of VOYA for even more details.)



3. I have never enjoyed a book so much or been so surprised by a book as I was by Under the Baseball Moon. You start off thinking it's a sports story, then you realize it's a musicians story, then you see that it's really both mixed in together and SO MUCH more. It's very difficult for me to descrbe it, only to say this book now stands as my favorite book of all time. It's humorous and mysterious and has the most amazing plot and so many interesting characters you really like. You get so taken away by this mysterious thing that's happening to Andy and Glory that they become like your closest friends since it sweeps you away too.
   
   I won't spoil it for you except that you need to pay attention all the way through tthe book because the ending will ASTOUND you. I hope they make a movie out of this book real soon so then I can see everything that happens in real life. I would say ten stars if I could its such a good book!!



4. My review of this fantastic book:
   
   There are a lot of books out there on the market. There are good books, there are bad books. Sometimes there are books that stand out as great. "Under the Baseball Moon" by John H. Ritter is one of those stand out books. It's about a teenage boy named Andy who has dreams of using his unique style of trumpet playing to become famous. Things become complicated when Andy crosses paths with his childhood friend, Glory Martinez, who has a dream of her own of becoming an Olympic softball pitcher. Things are further complicated when Andy meets a mysterious man in black who offers Andy fame and fortune for free. BUT what's the cost of free? This book is exceptionally well written and easy to follow. There are many dynamic characters with their own personality. This combined with the author's witty remarks makes an awesome duo.
   
   What I liked most about this book is that it's captivating. In many sports books you lose interest due to predictability and cliche endings. Overall this book was fantastic. I would definitely recommend "Under the Baseball Moon" to anyone looking for a fun read.



5. When Andy Ramos was in grade school his parents were friends with a woman whose daughter was a little loco. Unfortunately, whenever crazy little Glory had a meltdown Andy was the one they got to calm her down, earning both of them embarassing reputations. When the mother and daughter left, Andy re-invented himself. Taking the trumpet lessons he took from his grandfather and melding music and talent Andy became the skateboarding trumpter "painting" the scenes around him with his own blend of musical instrumentation.
   
   The summer that Andy and his band are ready to "break out" who comes back but Glory. However, the Glory that has returned is not the crazy little girl Andy knew, she's now a driven softball player obsessed with becoming a leading pitcher on a national team. As fate would have it Andy and Glory learn to play off each other, inspiring and driving their respective abilities to new heights. But, is this effect a mystical connection or are they being manipulated by another force?
   
   Under the Baseball Moon has got to be one of the most unusual stories I've read in a while. The content involving a trumpet player and softball player, the music, the language and storytelling are all unusual and inspired. Although the Crossroads references are something I'm familiar with, not much else was. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and think it would be a great recommendation for kids pre-teen and up.

2 comments about Best of Chris Botti Artist Transcriptions Trumpet (Artist Transcriptions).

1. This book put out by Hal Leonard, and has some of Botti's best songs on here which include some of his latest hits off his "Italia" cd, and songs from his other cds which include "When I Fall in Love" and "A Thousand Kisses Deep."
   
   For the price, it can't be beat!



2. All the 'grace' notes and nuances of Chris Botti's interpetation of these tunes are in these charts.
   Two weeks of work and much listening to Mr.Botti's CDs, have enabled me work up a more than passable reproduction of his sound using this fine songbook.
   I would rate these charts at somewhere between intermediate and advanced.

5 comments about Sound the Trumpet: How to Blow Your Own Horn.

1. All you want to know about the trumpet. Not a method book, but a great reference book. It gives much information that method books leave out. Recommend for all trumpet players.



2. This book is not only enjoyable and info-packed it will remain in my music library as a great reference book. I have been buying a lot of trumpet books lately and, thanks to Amazon reviews, have been very fortunate in my selections. This one,though, is a standout.
   One of the threads through a number of the books I have read is that,as in this book, the writers realy project a love for the instument.



3. no question about it, this book is everything it's cracked up to be! i highly recommend the book for any player, young or old, beginner or in my case,a 35 yr comeback player.



4. I have played the trumpet, as an enthusiastic, largely self-taught amateur, for many years and own a whole variety of trumpet tutor books; most are incredibly daunting, immediately too demanding and are, all-in -all, not much fun!
   
   This book is quite different - it has a very attractive, friendly approach, is extremely well presented (although I do wish it had been spirally bound), deals with all the basics and more and has plenty of tips and simple, attractive 'how to do,' 'how to approach' ideas. The book is thorough and covers all the basic techniques of playing and the usual pitfalls and problems, but in an attractive, friendly way. There are also, within its pages, pentatonic chord charts, listening suggestions, further sources of study and music, suggested practice routines and charts etc. and even instructions on how to correctly clean and maintain the instrument!
   
   This book will be useful to both the beginner and the more experienced player, is excellent value, and I give it my highest recommendation, but do so wish that it had been in print 30 years ago!!



5. U sent me 2 books charged me twice and I was 2 lazy to raise a "STINK"

5 comments about Essential Elements 2000: Comprehensive Band Method : B-Flat Trumpet Book 2.

1. We bought this book for our 11-year-old daughter. She plays piano and is now learning flute, her brother (13) plays clarinet for the high school band. The band teacher also agreed on the quality of the book and CD. We all agreed, this book is a good help because it can be read and understood by children as young as 10 year old. Offers easy to understand ways and the companion CD makes learning a pleasure. Living in a small southern town, our children enjoy spending their time learning music. Gurley Community & Town History http://gurleyalabama.contactez.net



2. The "Essential Elements 2000: A Comprehensive Band Method" is a great book for a young person who is learning an instrument for the first time. There is a fingering chart in the back of the book to make looking up fingerings quick and easy. The book starts off very basic with the parts of the instrument. The easiest notes to play and finger are presented first with exercises to practice them. This book comes with a play-along CD. This CD includes all solo exercises.

   Hal Leonard also offers (though not through Amazon) band sets for band directors. They are simple arrangements of music that correlate with the book. They are great for the first concert.

   There is an older version of this book called "Essential Elements: A Comprehensive Band Method". The book is purple and has many of the same features as this one, but the CDs have to purchased separately.




3. Was exactly as presented on Amazon. Came in a timely manner.



4. this book is loaded with fluff, color, clip art, and facts not specific to flute. The small pieces of songs featured on the pages are a nice strat to something that could be done much better.



5. I like the product but would prefer a DVD as in level 1, instead of CD. Also, the CD did not include all of the music in the book, as did level 1, & I am unable to find the optionsl CD's that have the music.