[Trombone-l] how do I get that blaring edgy sound?

[Beck, Peter]

Hello, I'm a relative beginner on the trombone and this is my first posting to the listserv.

There's a particular tone I've heard some players get, but I haven't been able to figure out how to do it on my own. The tone has an edge to it, a bright and somewhat raspy quality that brings to mind words like "blare" and "burr."

It seems to be a feature of some players in salsa and Latin jazz bands- I've heard recordings of Willie Colon and Barry Rogers where they're doing it big-time- and as far as I can tell, the lead players in trombone shout bands do it constantly.

I'd like to know what this technique is called, and who originated it, and who the most noteworthy practitioners are, but that's all secondary to my primary wish, which is to be able to do it myself. If you know how, and can explain it, I'll be greatly obliged.

Bright moments-

PB

Peter Beck
Publications Coordinator
The John Marshall Law School
312.987.2353
6beck at jmls.edu