The Trumpet Gurus Hang

My guest for this episode is Tony Guerrero.

Tony is a man of many talents. Landing his first record deal in the 1980’s, Tony was at the forefront of what would eventually become the smooth jazz scene. Since then, Tony has also created a reputation for being a top-notch arranger, composer, and producer. But his talents don’t stop at music. Tony is also a gifted artist, author, speaker, and the founder of a non-profit dedicated to battling human trafficking. And in his spare time, he still plays some mean trumpet.

Check out what Tony has to say about the early days of smooth jazz, the importance of being open to new music, the impact of technology on music, the potential impact of AI on the music industry, the importance of diversifying your skill sets, evolving as a trumpet player, clash of the egos, working with Arturo Sandoval, being inspired, the skill sets of a great producer, finding the right player for a job, making music with what you have, suggestions for making the best of a studio session, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Mike Lovatt.

Mike is a master craftsman. Whether he’s sitting in the back row of a big band or standing in front of an orchestra, his huge sound and flawless technique make even the most challenging parts sound effortless. Mike’s desire to inspire has earned him the prestigious Derek Watkins Chair of Trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music and positions at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Conservatory of Scotland, and the Royal Welsh and Birmingham Conservatories. Plus, he’s always down for a pint or two.

Check out what Mike has to say about Derek Watkins, Uan Racey, the London music scene, getting hooked on the trumpet, learning through trial and error, getting past natural talent, the importance of listening, Seth MacFarlane, making room for the next generation of trumpet players, his Brass Pack project, figuring out how to play in the upper register, his introduction to the Maggio System, finding the right approach for the individual, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is J.C. Dobrzelewski.

J.C. is a man of action. As a soloist and a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Tromba Mundi trumpet ensemble, J.C. regularly showcases his amazing skills as a classical trumpet player. J.C.  flexes his teaching chops as the trumpet professor at the West Chester University School of Music. And as the Conference Director for the International Trumpet Guild, J.C. uses his organizational skills as a force for good for the trumpet world.

Check out what J.C. has to say about teaching at Westchester University, his inspiration to become a teacher, maturing as a teacher, learning to relate to his students, the never ending path of progress, building relationships, being the ITG Conference Director, the benefits and drawbacks of virtual conferences, future plans, the big changes he would like to see, Pacho Flores, surrounding yourself with better people, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Gerard Presencer.

Gerard speaks from experience. Gerard has been on the music scene since the ripe old age of 11 years old when he became the youngest trumpeter of England’s National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He rapidly became a sought-after session player, head of the jazz department of the prestigious Royal Academy of Music and head of the brass department at the Jazz Institute of Berlin. But Gerard has recently felt the need to shift from stage and studio to a simpler and purer pursuit of his love for music.

Check out what Gerard has to say about his early experiences, his early influences, a rhythmic exercise inspired by Woody Shaw, developing a balanced approach to teaching and playing, finding new ways to express yourself, using four bar blocks to construct a solo, soft quiet and low, the magic of Freddie Hubbard, his passion for teaching, changing his career focus, surprising yourself, practicing being creative, opening yourself up, the challenges of teaching extremely talented students, finding your path, the importance of connection, being a good hang, following your passion, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Bobby Medina.

Bobby has been around the block. Originally from Los Angeles, Bobby toured the world, playing with many of the top names in the music industry, before settling down in Seattle. Bobby has built a successful career as a player, composer, and booking agent, and most recently, Bobby has teamed with Paul Baron to put his experience and musical passion to work helping players, young and old, reach a higher level.

Check out what Bobby has to say about starting his Facebook group, the need to make adjustments as we get older, figuring things out, studying with Jimmy Stamp, the importance of having a mentor, becoming your own best teacher, seeing the big picture when you practice, keeping the fun in your practice, his early musical influences, the booking business, how to become more hirable, his attitude about gigs, deciding to put family first, being open to opportunity, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Chris Tedesco.

Chris is a busy guy. Chris is one of Los Angeles' top-call session players. His trumpet has been heard on hundreds of movie soundtracks, television shows, video games, and records since 1987. Chris is also a busy music contractor whose goal is to help his fellow musicians stay busy and keep the LA recording scene thriving. Plus, he’s always down for a good hang.

Check out what Chris has to say about getting started as a professional musician, lessons from the road, heading back home, advice to young players, music and the power of connection, mutual connections, the early days of the music industry, the global community of music, why music is a people business, contracting, preparing to become a studio musician, assets and liabilities, doing what you love, getting started as a contractor, learning The Stamp Method, why you should know who you're working with, financial advice for young musicians, finding what works for you, the behavior that will keep you from getting calls, how word of mouth can make or break your career, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Andy Kozar.

Andy is a groundbreaker. Andy started his career with dreams of becoming an orchestral player, but while studying at the Eastman School of Music, Andy was bitten by the new music bug. Since then, Andy has become a prominent voice in both the performance and composition of contemporary music. As a faculty member at the Longy School of Music, Andy is opening the ears and minds of a new generation of musicians, and his new book Response is his contribution to making trumpet playing a little bit easier for us all.

Check out what Andy has to say about growing up in Pittsburgh, his introduction to the world of new music, the dichotomy of new music, developing the skills to play new music, how to learn more about new music, being and educator, finding your path, the joys of playing standard repertoire, the importance of having varied tastes, the inspirations for his book Response, different approaches to learning and teaching, what makes a great pedagogue, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Charlie Bertini.

Charlie is a man of many talents. Charlie started his professional playing career while still in the ninth grade when he formed his own dance band in upstate New York. Charlie went on to build his impressive chops playing trumpet for the Clyde Beaty-Cole Brothers circus. Charlie is top caliber performer, a passionate educator, a record producer, a concert promoter, and the founder of the AppleJazz record label. And he shows no signs of slowing down.

Check out what Charlie has to say about Tyler Jaeger, what young players need, taking advantage of opportunities, his first professional band, trial by fire in the circus, becoming fearless, why you need to keep your brain moving forward, slow practice, building brain power, drawing out a great studio performance, different approaches to playing, microphones, the energy of the trumpet bell, what makes a great studio experience, bringing the music to life, the rewards of live performance and teaching, starting the Apple Jazz record label, truth in the performance, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Nathan Warner.

Nathan is an eclectic guy. His path has led him from attending the Interlochen Arts Camp to a bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies at the Indiana School of Music, a master’s degree in classical trumpet from the Manhattan School of Music, and finally, a DMA from Stony Brook University. He’s a busy performer, passionate educator, and co-founder of the Apex Trumpet Symposium. And he manages to do everything with some serious swag and perfect hair.

Check out what Nathan has to say about How the Apex Trumpet Symposium was born, toxic environments, giving permission to be where you are, learning to live with uncertainty, the importance of the struggle, aligning with his motivations, dealing with the negative voices, spirituality and music, the sound of Gabriel's trumpet, the importance of having your own voice, being the best version of yourself, the roles of affirmation and confrontation, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Vinnie Ciesielski.

Vinnie returns for a second round at The Hang to discuss his new project, Vinnie and the Hitmen, a 15-piece horn-driven band that features some of Nashville’s heaviest hitters. But Vinnie’s vision of The Hitmen is not just about knockout performances; it’s also about touching the lives of young musicians to show them that anything is possible when you have enough passion and are willing to put in the work that it takes to go be awesome.

Check out what Vinnie has to say about the birth of Vinnie And The Hitmen, deciding to record public domain Christmas music, creative arrangements, school concerts, speaking your vision into existence, why now is the perfect moment, why music is life-changing, being awesome, repetitive excellence, advice for building a career in music, the shifting landscape of the recording industry, joint ventures, being a better bandleader, becoming clear on your career objectives, his definition of success, why you need to support artists, inspiration and advise, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Phil Snedecor.

Phil is all about the music. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Phil built a busy career performing and teaching in the Greater Washington DC area. He is also an accomplished composer and arranger whose etude books have become required material in many Trumpet studios and is currently Trumpet professor at the Hartt School. But whether it’s on the stage, in the classroom, or through his prolific writing, Phil always wants to keep the music at the forefront.

Check out what Phil has to say about the difference between adjunct and tenure track teaching positions, life outside of the Capital Beltway, mobile warm-ups, the role of a teacher, learning life skills in the practice room, finding balance, studying at Eastman, solving technical problems by playing music, the most common shortcoming of young players, instilling a passion for listening, new voices, why perfect playing isn't always enjoyable, Wynton Marsalis and the cultural impact of music, the inspiration for his etude books, the importance of imagination, writing books for the modern trumpet player, the need for versatility, why he enjoys playing in a variety of musical settings, and so much more.

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Marcus Grant.

Marcus is a go-getter. In addition to his career as a player and composer, Marcus is also a professor of Music Theory and Aural Skills at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Co-Founder and Director of the Trumpeter’s Multitrack Competition and Seminar, Vice President of Diversify The Stand, and a member of the Executive Board of the National Trumpet Competition. Good thing he loves what he does.

Check out what Marcus has to say about the truth about his teachers, being bitten by the teaching bug, the impact of his teachers, the blessing and curse of social media, the birth of the Trumpet Multitrack Competition and Seminars, the importance of accessibility, what's in store for TMTCS, his role with the National Trumpet Competition, preparing for the future of trumpet playing, why you need to understand music theory, the process of improvement, his compositional projects, and so much more.

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Chris Smith.  

Chris is a man of action. After an eight-year tour of duty with the “President’s Own” United States Marine Corp band and an eleven-year run with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, Chris is currently the Principle Trumpet for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. An avid athlete, Chris takes a sports-specific training approach to trumpet practice and a hall of fame coach's mentality to winning auditions.  

Check out what Chris has to say about shifting musical gears, the need to adjust his approach to practice, marathons or sprints, sport-specific practice, etudes, the requirements of a successful career, the disconnect between practice and performing, training for an audition, how schools can better prepare their students for the audition process, the truth about the audition process, the importance of good coaching, how he improved his audition chops, finding focus, finding what works best for you, longevity, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Paul Merkelo.   

Paul is a multi-tasker. In addition to his duties as the Principal Trumpet of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Paul is also a highly sought-after soloist. He has traveled the world performing both old and new works and recently completed his fifth solo recording project. And in his spare time, Paul is on the faculty of two universities - McGill University in Montreal and The Music Academy of The West in Santa Barbara. All in a day's work.   

Check out what Paul has to say about the truth about Joey Tartell, Illinois vs Montreal, the viability of a career as an orchestral trumpet player, full-time gigs vs freelancing, balancing the demands as a principal player and a soloist, managing your practice, mixing things up, making a statement with your playing, transcending technique, honoring the work, keeping things fresh and challenging, the role of the ego, and so much more.  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Jeff Purtle.

Jeff is a systematic kind of guy. As a student of the legendary Claude Gordon, Jeff was taught more than just how to play the trumpet. Jeff absorbed Claude’s passion for teaching and his knack for helping students develop a systematic approach to daily practice. Jeff is thoughtful, insightful, and a lifelong learner. And he is always willing to help others find a better way.

Check out what Jeff has to say about creating digital content, how he began studying with Claude Gordon, Claude Gordon's teaching style, his big takeaways from his time with Claude Gordon, the benefits and pitfalls of teaching trumpet online, adjusting teaching styles, the most important things to practice, important method books, newer and lesser known method books, keeping up a personal practice routine, and so much more.

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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Chop problems. Just hearing those words sends shivers down the spine of amateur and professional trumpet players alike.  

The thought of not being able to play the trumpet is something that creeps around in the deepest and darkest parts of our brains.  

Most of the time, it is an irrational fear. But sometimes, the fear becomes very real.  

The question is, is it possible to come back from chop problems?  

Sometimes the answer is no.  But often, the answer could be yes, but only if you know where to look for help.  

This special compilation episode of The Trumpet Gurus Hang features six of my past guests who have not only overcome chop problems but have turned their temporary setbacks into a setup for greater success.  

Check out Bryan Davis on the process of recovering from overuse and playing the hard way, Mike Sailors on reviving broken down chops due to improper technique, Kenny Robinson on his method of dealing with cold sores, Craig Kenney on recovering from Bell's Palsy, Rich Willey on the importance of having the right mental attitude, and Brad Goode on recovering from traumatic injury.  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Adam MacBlane.  

Adam is all about finding the right tool for the job. After receiving his Master of Music in Instrumental Performance degree, Adam shifted his focus from being behind the bell to the manufacturing and marketing side of the trumpet world. His deep dive into the art and science of trumpet design gave Adam a unique perspective that he uses in his company, Niche Trumpet, to help players find the right horn for their specific needs.  

Check out what Adam has to say about the origin of Tommy The High Note Police, his start with P Mauriat, retail vs. manufacturing, fitting a player to the right horn, becoming a gear geek, manufacturing mentors, the evolution of Carol Brass, designing the new Michael Williams model trumpet, the impact of bell material on sound, his personal preference for horns, the advantage of a smaller mouthpiece, rim size and backbones, the advantage of keeping it simple, quieting the noise, why everyone should learn how to improvise, and so much more.  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Nathaniel Williford.

Nathaniel is an old soul. At the ripe old age of 17, Nathaniel has already begun to make an impression on the trumpet world. Nathaniel’s beautiful sound, improvisational skills, and command of the trumpet’s upper register have earned him numerous awards and accolades. But what has caught the attention of many of the top names in the business is not Nathaniel’s chops; it’s his humility, sincerity, maturity, and dedication to his craft.

Check out what Nathaniel has to say about his relationship with Dan Miller, why the hang is so important, mentoring and motivation, the need for versatility, the difference between playing and practicing, being in love with the trumpet, staying motivated, winning the Essentially Ellington Competition, keeping the music first, future plans, remote recording, his ideal career, beginning his musical journey, balancing music and life, having respect for all kinds of music, social media, working on his writing chops, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Jumaane Smith.  Jumaane is kickin’ it old school. As the lead trumpet player for Michael Buble, Jumaane has toured the world playing in sold-out concert halls and packed stadiums. His playing combines the lyricism of the old masters with some modern-day swagger. Jumaane can bring the heat with his horn, or he can make it sweet with his smooth vocals. Because no matter what he does, it’s always about the music.  

Check out what Jumaane has to say about how it feels to play with Michael Buble, ways to hear yourself onstage, learning to play by feel, his influences, the benefits of singing, the lessons he's learned working with great vocalists, dealing with the haters, his favorite musical setting, gratitude, change, developing as a trumpet player, a melodic approach to lead trumpet playing, the current state of jazz, the impact of Wynton Marsalis, what it takes to become a great player, his approach to practice, why practice should be consistent and efficient, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Mark Upton.  

Mark is trumpet royalty. The son of two professional trumpet players, Mark was destined to become a world-class player. As the principal trumpeter for The Royal Marines Band, Mark regularly performed for The Royal Family and his powerful playing has been featured in performances at The Royal Albert Hall. And as the trumpet tutor at the Royal Marines School of Music, Mark is paving the way for a new generation of amazing Royal musicians.  

Check out what Mark has to say about being a military musician, the diverse requirements of the Royal Band, The Royal Marines School of Music, his COVID project, Larry Meregillano's Compression Traning System, studying with Dereck Watkins, growing up with trumpet-playing parents, refining his sound, programming his Trumpet Legacy feature, developing your own voice, focusing on fundamentals, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Mike Sailors

Mike is committed to figuring things out. A talented performer, composer, and educator, Mike’s career was almost cut short by severe chop problems. With the help of Trumpet Gurus like Rich Willey, Bryan Davis, and Peter Bond, Mike went on to forge a successful career in New York City before returning to his Alma Mater in Austin, Texas where he is committed to helping a new generation of trumpet players avoid the same mistakes that he made.

Check out what Mike has to say about his major chop issues, finding solutions, poor pedagogy, overcoming poor pedagogy, today's great thinkers on trumpet pedagogy, a more natural approach to playing the trumpet, the problem with playing too loud, his career arc, being an educator, finding your passion, why it's tough living in New York, developing the skills to be a jazz player, his approach to practice, playing by feel, how to make your practice time more efficient, his three main cats, the most important musician of our time, tips for playing high notes, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Rich Willey.  

Rich speaks from experience. A veteran sideman and prolific composer, Rich has played with the likes of Maynard Ferguson, Mel Torme, and Tommy Dorsey, and has published a massive collection of arrangements, compositions, and method books. But success on the bandstand came at a price. Rich has had to endure a number of setbacks that nearly ended his career, eventually leading Rich to become a student of Donald Reinhardt’s Pivot System and to his commitment to provide help and hope to others.  

Check out what Rich has to say about learning from adversity, the power of self-talk, his advice on recovering from Bell's Palsy, why you can't cram for trumpet playing, being committed, why you have to be willing to suck, an introduction to the teachings of Donald Reinhardt, the musical side of Doc Reinhardt, diagnostic tools, diagnosing problems, self-diagnosis, moving to Philadelphia to study with Doc Reinhardt, Reinhardt resources, inspirations for his method books, how talent can be your biggest enemy, the sound characteristics of Reinhardt types, lip buzzing, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Bijon Watson.  

Bijon is a straight-up beast. Originally from Boston, Bijon began his studies of classical trumpet at the prestigious New England Conservatory Of Music Preparatory School. While doing his undergrad work at The Unversity of Southern California, Bijon began his journey into the world of commercial music. Equally at home in the concert hall, studio, or arena, Bijon has made a name for himself as a versatile and dependable player who always tries to look as good on stage as he sounds.   

Check out what Bijon has to say about East Coast vs West Coast styles, playing lead trumpet, Snooky Young, a balanced approach to sound, mouthpiece buzzing, learning to adjust, lip size and pliability, trumpet mouthpieces, switching musical genres, his favorite types of gigs, the differences between playing live, in the studio, and on television, how to develop consistency, the need for constant improvement, the importance of a consistent warm-up routine, shirts and shoes, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is K.O. Skinsnes.  

K.O. is a wealth of knowledge. Over his career, K.O. has been fortunate to be mentored by some of the top names in mouthpiece manufacturing, trumpet design, acoustics, and sound reinforcement. His depth and breadth of knowledge make K.O. a skilled technician and an insightful problem-solver. And all of his years in the business have also provided K.O. with a near-endless supply of entertaining stories.  

Check out what K.O. has to say about his late early beginnings, making gear transparent, why there will never be an in-tune Martin Committee, playing your part, why you need to learn to figure things out, learning and growing, music in Hawaii, the revival of live music, Bob Reeves, the genius of Bill Cardwell, connecting the dots, breaking his own rule, the vision behind Stomvi's 4-valve instruments, the role of damping, his Double C  mouthpiece, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Craig Kenney.  

Craig is a hidden gem. A world-class lead player, Craig’s career did not take the conventional route. Instead of forging a name on the road or in the studios, Craig chose to stay close to home in South Central Pennsylvania. A decision that placed him in the perfect spot to spend two decades as the lead player for the legendary Dave Stahl. But his recent experience rebuilding his chops after a bout with Bell’s Palsy is a masterclass in determination and resiliency that every player can benefit from.   

Check out what Craig has to say about choosing to stay close to home, playing lead with Dave Stahl, important lessons for lead trumpet players, his inspirations, learning to play in the upper register, students and mouthpieces, being a teacher, Clarke Studies for upper register development, having a musical family, the importance of community bands, helping players feel comfortable, recovering from Bells Palsy, finding the silver lining, changes in attitude, dealing with uncertainty, his advice for recovering from a physical setback, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Cameron Milligan.

Cameron is a rising star. Cameron is a Montréal based freelance trumpet player and the winner of the 2022 Trumpeter’s Multi-Track Competition. His winning entry, a unique take on the jazz standard “All The Things You Are,” spotlights Cameron’s skills as a talented arranger, a skilled trumpet player, and a creative multi-media editor. Keep an eye on this guy, he’s definitely going places.

Check out what Cameron has to say about his background, his early inspirations, the Montreal music scene, his musical passions, his arranging inspirations for his winning entry, his video production concepts, improvisation and the art of video creation, his multi-media tech specs, time commitment, why he entered the Trumpeter's Multi-Track Competition, the importance of multi-track videos for performers and arrangers, his biggest takeaway from winning the Trumpeter's Multi-Track Competition, turning his video into a live production, lessons you can learn about your playing through the recording process, and so much more!

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Mark Zauss.  

Mark is back by popular demand for another hang. There are few people who can talk about the physical and mental demands of the modern trumpet player as authoritatively as Mark. His seemingly magical range and power made him a mainstay at Disney's Magic Kingdom with both Future Corp and The Main Street Philharmonic. But when you combine his battle-tested chops with his skills as a licensed clinical psychotherapist, you get the ultimate resource for your trumpet playing woes.  

Check out what Mark has to say about how the pandemic has affected our mental health, the increase of anxiety in musicians, practical ways to deal with anxiety, focusing on the breath, why things tend to go wrong, how he resets after a tough set, tips to coordinate the mind and body, the breathing process, understanding triggers, reframing, the importance of routine, his approach to warming up, learning to put it all together, learning from your students, and so much more!  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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Welcome to the Trumpet Gurus’ Hang podcast. I’m your host, Jose Johnson.

My guest for this episode is Rex Richardson.

Rex is all about the big picture. Rex uses his virtuoso-level classical technique to take his jazz playing to heights few can reach. And he brings the freedom of his spontaneous and expressive improvisational skills to the sometimes predictable world of classical trumpet playing. Plus Rex is a committed educator and has never lost sight of the impact that music can make on the lives of others.

Check out what Rex has to say about finding his niche, helping his students find balance, finding your groove, jazz as a life skill, why mistakes aren't always a bad thing, his theory on the "perfection movement" in orchestral music, finding the balance between technique and expression, rebounding from mistakes, getting lost in the music, 100 days of practice, and so much more.

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Brian Shaw.

Brian is not afraid to try something new. While his original passion for playing the trumpet came from Maynard Ferguson, Bryan found his education leading him down the classical path. Bryan is highly regarded for his skills on the Baroque trumpet and is Co-Principal Trumpet of the Dallas Winds, Principal of the Baton Rouge Symphony, Santa Fe Pro Musica, and Spire Baroque Orchestra But he still loves to play jazz and crank out the high notes.

Check out what Brian has to say about life changes, the mouthpiece buzzing controversy, different learning styles, baroque trumpet, lessons from playing period instruments, managing different playing situations, the benefit of musical variety, teaching vs learning, why he's happy he learned to play high notes, Louis Dowdeswell and Jacob Collier, writing about the life of Kenny Wheeler, creating your own voice, and so much more.

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin!

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My guest for this episode is Bryan Davis.  

Bryan is paying it forward. Originally from the UK, Bryan relocated to The US and quickly established himself as a fixture in the New York City music scene. But things haven’t always come easy for Bryan, and chop problems forced him to seek out the help he needed to become a more efficient player. He’s now committed to providing practical advice to trumpet players around the globe through his Airflow Music books and videos.  

Check out what Bryan has to say about making the move to New York, learning on the job, the business of music education, blowing out his chops, chop help from Roger Ingram, looking for a better way to play, context, being willing to look for the lesson in the moment, starting Airflow Music, twisted studies, the genius of Herbert L. Clarke, the importance of smoothness, teaching smoothness, efficiency, technology, practical skills for the touring musician, and so much more.  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Brad Goode.  

Brad is old-school. While many of his contemporaries were learning about jazz in the halls of academia, Brad was getting his education the traditional way, jamming and hanging with masters of their craft. But Brad’s unique sound was almost silenced by severe chop problems leading him to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanical workings of the embouchure. And that knowledge has not only given him back his voice but has taken his playing to new heights.  

Check out what Brad has to say about being a multi-instrumentalist, the role of rhythm, getting bitten by the jazz bug, preparing students for success, learning jazz the old way, what's wrong with modern jazz pedagogy, the power of the jam session, relearning how to play the trumpet, why you should never ice your lips, how the Reinhardt Pivot System saved his career, his passion for helping people understand embouchure, and so much more.  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Peter Bond.  

Peter is a late bloomer. Starting out as a self-described trumpet meathead with poor playing habits, no one would have predicted his career as a renowned classical musician. His 28 year run with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra gave him the opportunity to play alongside some of the trumpet world's greatest talents and support opera's legendary performers. And with his book "The Singing Trumpet" Peter hopes to ease the way for trumpeters of every style to find their unique voice.  

Check out what Peter has to say about humor as a survival mechanism, making changes, things he will miss about The Met, his unorthodox approach, the difference between singing and blowing, how traditional pedagogy limits expressive potential, how the vocal model helps you play in the upper register, a book of ideas, the limitations of received wisdom, the difference between comfort and correctness, playing catch up, being surrounded by greatness, what makes the Met Orchestra so unique, the influence of vocalist, and so much more.  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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My guest for this episode is Graham Breedlove.  

Graham is a musical chef. Raised in the rich cultural gumbo that is Louisiana, Graham has stayed true to his roots by creating a tasty mix of musical influences. Whether it’s cooking on stage with the Army Blues Big Band, blazing with a combo, or spreading the gospel of jazz in the classroom, Graham is certain to get your head bobbin’ and your feet tappin’.  

Check out what Graham has to say about Louisiana music, combining musical influences, modern influences, personal responsibility and musical amoebas, programming to balance innovation with connection, approaching solos like a conversation, entering the world of DC military bands, the educational impact of The Army Blues, teamwork in The Army Blues Trumpet section, comparing big band to small band playing, the lost art of section playing, what the future holds, filling the holes in the world of jazz education, being a mature musician, and so much more. 

 So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and laissez les bon temps rouler! 

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Welcome to this "best-of" episode of the Trumpet Gurus’ Hang podcast.   

Do you love gear? Of course you do!   

And because you love to talk about gear, I decided to make that discussion a regular part of The Trumpet Gurus Hang by adding the Geared Up segment to every episode.  

Geared Up is a chance for my guests to discuss their take on trumpet gear, specifically the concepts that they feel are the most important to them and their expert advice on how to find the best gear for your personal needs.  T

his compilation features highlights from my hangs with Eric Miyashiro, Paul Baron, Michael Bogart, Kiku Collins, Kevin Burns, James Morrison, Jim Manley, Mary Elizabeth Bowden, Chris Jaudes, Matt White, and Allen Vizzutti.  

Check out what my guests had to say about their concepts and approaches to trumpets, mouthpieces, and more.  

So pour yourself a big glass, pull up a chair, and let the hang begin! 

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