| The felt crown of a hat is a very distinctive sound and quite beautiful. I used to do the Crown Royal bag also but I have to say that when I play American in Paris I usually just do it open. However, Concerto in F really needs the felt crown, I think.
Playing AIP open is just an influence of hearing Mr. Vacchiano play it on that old Columbia recording w/ Bernstein. His open trumpet just seems right. And, yes, I know he swings it during the fast section and it's inappropriate for the time it was written, blah, blah, blah... but A) that was Bernstein's call and B) it's damned good!
Anyways, if it says felt crown on a part see if you can go to the thrift store, buy an old felt hat for a buck, cut off the brim, and bingo... you've got yourself a felt crown. Some folks cut holes in it to get a little more volume, whatever. Experiment!
ML |