| Greetings From London
Hello Everyone
My trumpet playing covers the periods 1980 to 1986 while at school and 2003 to present after I realised that there was more to life than work. My playing ability is very modest but I am pleased to say that I have never been more motivated or practised more than at present.
My trumpet teacher at school was a professional player named Tony Cookson. He made learning great fun and kindled my interest in big band music. Sadly he died in 1986. It would be great to hear from anyone who knew Tony. Playing music in London during the 1980s provided many opportunities for school children. There were many representative bands and orchestras organised by the education authority and I had the chance to play at Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Lord Mayor’s Show and other venues.
Currently I play with the Roy Valenti Big Band in Kingswood on a Monday night. The band is very relaxed and it provides an opportunity to play great music with like-minded people. I have just completed an Introduction to Jazz course at Goldsmith’s College. I found the course very challenging but, at last, am beginning to make some progress at improvising. My current practice mainly involves scales, arpeggios etc progressing around the cycle of fifths.
I have just passed my 40th birthday and am currently looking for a new trumpet. I would like a vintage Olds Recording but am willing to take suggestions about other models. Does anyone know of any vendors who sell vintage trumpets?
I am also looking for a copy of Ziggy Elman’s “50 Hot Trumpet Licks In The Modern Manner”. I have been scouring the internet with no success. Does anyone have a pdf copy they would be willing to post (I don’t know what the copyright situation would be)?
I look forward hearing to hearing from you,
Steven. |