Lead Trumpet

I love lead trumpet playing in a jazz style. These articles offer suggestions for getting your lead chops in shape, as well as the need-to-know for being the leader of the ensemble stylistically.

Everything You Need to Swing Your Butt Off

 

Here’s another great example of legendary lead trumpeter, Al Porcino, swinging his butt off with the Terry Gibbs Dream Band.

At 2:07 you’ll learn how to articulate and accent upbeats to lead the ensemble (and swing your butt off) without “shouting.”

At 2:57, you’ll hear the trumpet section–in unison–laying into the syncopation and some big, fat beats 2 and 4 on a simple quarter note line. When the section splits off into harmony, Al leads the ensemble with some laid-back, relaxed shakes and tasty vibrato to introduce the next solo. Can you say swinging?

Finally, you’ll want some good headphones and speakers for 4:38. Leading the band through Holman’s “soft shout,” Al is no slacker with his articulation. And as the band stomps into the shout chorus, you’ll hear the open-ended releases, dynamic shading and relaxed sound in the upper register that made Al one of the greats.

IT’S ALL THERE, FOLKS.

You can have all of the Terry Gibbs Dream Band Charts–68 swingers played by the best–by purchasing the Terry Gibbs Lead Trumpet Transcriptions.

Evil Eyes; Composer/Arranger: Bill Holman; Lead Trumpet: Al Porcino; Album: Terry Gibbs Dream Band Vol. III “Flying Home”

Terry Gibbs Dream Band Lead Trumpet Transcriptions FULL PLAYLIST (Youtube)!

Howdy my lead-trumpet friends,

Here’s the complete playlist for BTB’s ‘Terry Gibbs Dream Band: Lead Trumpet Transcriptions.’ It’s all on Youtube – so I can’t ensure it’ll last forever – but if you’ve been looking for the recordings to play along with, look no further!

And have fun!

Terry Gibbs Dream Band: Lead Trumpet Transcription Book (Introduction)

Hello my trumpet-playing friends! If you’re curious about what’s inside the Terry Gibbs Dream Band: Lead Trumpet Transcriptions book, this post shares the book intro as well as the list of charts. Full clickable Youtube playlist / table of contents below!!!

Enjoy these swingers!

Need Help Keeping Your Lead Chops Up Between Gigs? *NEW* Lead Trumpet Transcription Book!

All lead trumpet parts from the Terry Gibbs Dream Band vol. I – VI

Need to keep your lead chops up?

Additional sight-reading practice?

Want to learn from one of the fathers of modern lead trumpet playing?

Look no further than BTB’s release of all the lead trumpet parts from the six live albums recorded by the Terry Gibbs Dream Band during the late 1950’s to early 1960’s in Hollywood, CA.

These albums are awesome, fun and swinging. You’ll love ’em.

Lead Trumpet Video Lesson, Chuck Findley Is Amazing & BTB’s Third Embouchure (RoutineTracker COVID-19)

Howdy trumpet-folks,

I hope everyone is staying safe, healthy and making the most of a world with no gigs. With summer starting…tomorrow, I figure it’s about time to release BTB’s RoutineTracker for the Spring of 2020. Inside you’ll find all the usual stuff along with a couple of fun videos.

Feelin’ The Burn This Winter (RoutineTracker: Winter 2020)

Winter 2020

Hey trumpet-lovers,

With Spring right around the corner, here’s BTB’s latest RoutineTracker. Inside you’ll find what’s been up, along with plenty of food-for-thought in the practice room. As with many of BTB’s articles, this one is choc-full of stupid mistakes by yours truly.

The Dumbest Shit I Keep Doing

Arnie Chycoski Lead Trumpet “The Waltz I Blew for You” (Video and Playing Analysis)

waltz

Last night after everyone had gone to bed, I was laying on the couch listening to jazz. After checking out the normal stuff I dig these days, I got a little bored and asked myself, “what do I really want to listen to?”

Two tunes instantly popped into my head, and the second of which I was able to find online using my phone, so I went with that.

It was Rob McConnell’s recording of “The Waltz I Blew for You,” from the 1980 album “Present Perfect.” Now, if you don’t know about this record, check it out. It’s awesome. This particular chart is fantastic with great solos by Eugene Amaro on flute, Sam Noto on trumpet, and of course, our man Arnie Chykoski is playing his *ss off on lead trumpet. I had this side on LP in college, and listened to it until it melted. Seriously. Those Texas summers are hot. …