[Trombone-l] "bass" trombone from the 30's, 40's

[Eric & Candice Swanson]

Kelly Kudryk wrote:

>What would be the modern 'correct' bass trombone size/style for a  
>classic (1930/40) "Basie" swing band sound?  Would it be a single  
>valve .547 or a full size bass bone?  The other instruments in the  
>section are a 3B a Conn 24H and a .509 Yamaha.
>
>  
>
Kelly,

The Basie band at that time probably had four tenor trombones and no 
bass.  Look at the book and see if there are any low notes.  If not, 
play whatever tenor you feel comfortable with.  If the 4th part goes 
down to low C or lower, then I'd play a real bass trombone, they 
probably aren't the original 1930s charts anyway.

Most of the Basie charts I've ever seen are fairly new arrangements and 
have a real bass trombone part, including sometimes a few low Bs.  Many 
of them also have an optional tuba part that I usually play if I'm 
playing 5th in a five man section.  I don't think the Basie band ever 
had a tuba though.  I think those parts were added to the charts for 
publication, for the school market.

To me there's almost nothing worse than spending all night trying to 
play bass trombone parts on an 88H or 42B.  If the part is low, use the 
right horn for the job.

Eric Swanson
(Bass trombonist with Pete Petersen and the Collection Jazz Orchestra 
for many more years than I care to admit)
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX