averagejoe

I posted this in the Lounge, but no replies. I really want some feedback, so I thought I might have better luck here.

I value all comments, seriously! Thanks in advance...

Paul

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trumpet is so hard because it is so easy

Adam Smith

Very Nice! Thanks for sharing!

Aspiring Trumpeter

You sound outstanding! I've never heard this piece either, It's really neat.

rowuk

It is always difficult to know what the poster REALLY wants. A real critique like at an all state competition (doesn't fit here as averagejoe is an accomplished player, well on in his career), or like a record review or just an opinion. This is my personal opinion-for what it is worth! Please no heat - AJ is a pro and asked for a critique. I listened to the piece 3 times and took notes.

What I noticed is some very fine playing. Quick precise tongue, nice tone, good breathing habits - sense of phrasing. AJ obviously has studied trumpet, had a great teacher and has a sizable amount of talent. This is a solid reading and it is obvious that the band also deserves an ovation. Great playing!

What I also noticed is vibrato - for my taste way too much. There are several timing issues (coming in too late when the entry is not directly on the beat). Timing issues are never "bad luck", they reflect the level of preparation and concentration. I have this problem sometimes when I do not practice with a metronome. The last thing that I noticed could have to do with the recording, but I am not sure. The dynamics are not as big as I would expect from a brass band. I often had the impression that Paul (AJ) never got the opportunity to play softly - everything seems to be between MF and a solid F. There is a lot of additional "color" available between P and MF.

All in all, a fine reading, very enjoyable listening.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

averagejoe

Thanks to all, and Rowuk, this is exactly the type of commentary I'm after...listening into the nuts and bolts.

Addressing what you hear, let me share some of the circumstances. The band is an amateur band, and the entire concert was put together in 4 rehearsals. We did 2+ hours of challenging music, so some of the finer details like wide dynamic contrast got lost in preparing the big picture. Just know that it was preached from the podium with fervor, and the group responded as well as they were capable under the circumstances. They did yeoman's work putting the show together, and I guess the adrenaline of the live performance kicked in. I would agree with your assessment, though. I would've liked to have played most of the piece a bit softer, in fact...it was clear that I was pushing my little Eb to the edge in spots.

Regarding timing, I didn't really take issue until you pointed it out...Thanks for that one! I'll have to listen to the other recording I have (we did three shows, and I recorded two of them) to see if the timing issues were pervasive or circumstantial. I am not in front of the band for this particular performance (as I was in other rehearsals/performances). Due to space restrictions, I had to stand back and to the side of the band, behind the cornet section. This created a slightly different acoustical reference for me. Some of the timing could be attributed to that. I'll upload the other performance and post a link for a comparison/contrast.

Now, to the vibrato... I can understand if it wasn't to your taste. My natural vibrato is actually slower and less pronounced, but I was going for a quasi-British cornet sensibility as much as I could (the piece is actually a Bb cornet solo). I agree that I have a bit more work to do on capturing that style...it was not as consistent and controlled/flowing as I wanted. You win some, you lose some, right? :wink:

Thanks again for the encouragement!

Paul Poovey

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trumpet is so hard because it is so easy

rowuk

Paul,
with your attitude, you can only WIN!
The loud parts did not sound strained at all and if you hadn't mentioned the Eb, I would have only thought: boy, it is great to hear a light lyrical sound for a change! I like that "liquid" sound!
There are not too many etudes for perfecting entries that do not start on the beat. I really have to pay attention to keep that in focus!

Generally my rule is, if I notice it, the composer had better have wanted it that way, otherwise it is too much. Vibrato is something I am sensitive to because I also play with baroque orchestras that demand a sound without. Big fat things like Mahler symphonies are tolerant of more (I played his 8th in February), the solo you played has less need, in my opinion. I don't consider your rendition a "mistake". I just wanted you to know that I "noticed" the vibrato.
Great job!
Robin

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

averagejoe

I really appreciate it, Robin. I'm getting more opportunities these days to do guest solo spots and the like, and I haven't really done much recording of myself (not techno-challenged, but definitely techno-lazy!). I bought this Zoom H4 thing, and I want to start putting more stuff up like this for folks to keep me honest, as it were. Sure, I play for people here in town, but the more input the better, I say!

Are you a freelancer like me, or do you have a full-time orchestra job?

Paul

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trumpet is so hard because it is so easy

rowuk

Paul, I am 50, sell large IBM computers to banks and industrial customers, am married with 4 kids (2 of which are grown up) and freelance and teach to stay sane. The freelancing is almost a full time job though......

I need ensemble playing to keep my rhythm together. Time is always a factor for getting prepared and there never seems to be enough of it. That type of playing gives me the best foundation for my solo activities.

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.