Originally Posted by hubnub

Wilmer,

I thought you'd be the cat to ask this so here it goes....

I played a big band gig the other night with a band that has been doing regular shows at a members only club (it's kind of like a country club but w/o the golf course)

The lead trumpet player is an older cat.... like late 70's, still can scream some killer high G's and A's. During the set break, he reached into his mute bag and pulled out some rubbing alcohol and rubbed it on his lips. He said it makes his chops feel good and he doesn't get fatigued as quickly. He said cats have been doing it for years. Have you ever heard of this type of thing? My though is that the alcohol dries out your skin, therefore shrinking the muscle tissue. I've played some jobs with guys of a wide age range and have never heard of it. Thoughts?