Search

Search query


Search forum posts by keywords…

Search by author username

Search options


Select the forum or forums you wish to search in. Subforums are searched automatically if you do not disable “search subforums“ below.

Choose a section to search an entire forum branch, such as all classifieds or all hardware forums.
 
AFTER   BEFORE 
by ttf_anonymous
Fri May 14, 2010 9:15 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Musical Miscellany
Topic: a discussion of music and the trombone
Replies: 117
Views: 31251

a discussion of music and the trombone

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=51494.msg726689#msg726689]Quote from: sabutin on May 13, 2010, 06:03PM[/url]If one approaches the playing of a musical instrument...any musical instrument, including the voice...as a sort of meditational practice, then during the times that one successfully achieves this state all of the above questions become moot.

You jes' play.

Now of course, some people who are familiar w/my books or what I have written on the web over he last 8 years or so might well respond "Yeah. Right. 265 pages of incredibly detailed information on how to play the trombone. How to hold it; how to build an embouchure; how to move the slide, etc. Web posting after web posting about the importance of equipment and how to choose it. Arguments galore with various other posters. I got yer "meditation". Right here!!!"

This sort of response would stem from an incomplete understanding of the idea of "meditiation". Meditation is not necessarily a passive, sitting-and-waiting act. There are meditations in movement and even meditations in combat. (Read "The Book of Five Rings" by Musashi Miyamoto for all that you might need to know about that idea.)

I speak a great deal about internalizing the reactive motions that are involved in playing a brass instrument through the application…
by ttf_Chris Fidler
Fri May 14, 2010 5:03 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Musical Miscellany
Topic: a discussion of music and the trombone
Replies: 117
Views: 31251

a discussion of music and the trombone

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=51494.msg726689#msg726689]Quote from: sabutin on May 13, 2010, 06:03PM[/url]
Now...all of the words that various musicians tend to put on their music? Like J.J. talking about never getting too high, too fast, or too loud? That is J. J.'s essence. His balance, his spirit, found through years of musical meditation. As are Diz's flights of trumpetistic and harmonic virtuosity, Bird's astoundingly intricate inside lines, Getz's inability to play an awkward note, Pops plaiyng like Gabriel incarnate, etc.



And just how much of a part do you think the drugs and alcohol played in their meditation, balance and musical spirit?????
by ttf_B0B
Wed Dec 08, 2010 7:07 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Pedagogy
Topic: buzzing issues
Replies: 43
Views: 16685

buzzing issues

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=53031.msg773465#msg773465]Quote from: sabutin on Dec 08, 2010, 06:26PM[/url]Not "Do it better."

Not "Try to understand how it works."

Just "Don't do it."

Well sure. While the regular ensemble teacher struggles with "do[ing] it better" and "try[ing] to understand how it works", if they keep trying this in their ensemble they will lose the students and lose their job. Keep it moving and don't make your mistakes hinder the students any more then necessary.

Otherwise it's like if I try to hit a note above my range during a jazz solo. The audience ain't going to stay and listen if I just keep trying to hit that note over and over. What's more important, hitting that note or playing a good solo? Miss the note? Forget about it and play that solo.

QuoteYou're all over the place.

End of conversation.

S.Conversation? You come in, say I'm all over the place with nothing to back it up, and then say you're done. Sounds more like a tantrum.

Take care,
B0B
by ttf_WaltTrombone
Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:41 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Pedagogy
Topic: Jack Teagarden: Modern Trombone Studies
Replies: 38
Views: 13463

Jack Teagarden: Modern Trombone Studies

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=59989.msg855382#msg855382]Quote from: sabutin on Jan 01, 2012, 06:18AM[/url]Got it. You have to hit the "Click here to start download from sendspace" button, not the big "DOWNLOAD" one. Duh.

S.

Yup, that one got me, too. Looking forward to checking out Big T's stuff...
by ttf_tbathras
Sun Mar 05, 2017 1:34 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1183502#msg1183502]Quote from: sabutin on Mar 05, 2017, 12:35PM[/url]Me too. My go-to horn, all other things being equal.

S.

P.S. Or the same bell in 8.5 size. A little more...dispersed. In a good way. Fills the room more than coming off the back wall.

I was looking for a horn to ride the line between 1/2nd symphonic tenor and 2/3rd jazz tenor... hence the 8" bell.

If it were just for sym. I'd go 8.5 no questions.
by ttf_wgwbassbone
Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:32 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1155436#msg1155436]Quote from: sabutin on Sep 13, 2016, 07:45AM[/url]I doubt it. I have accumulated a number of really good 11Cs from many periods of time and the Shires 11C doesn't feel, play or sound like any of them. Not a bad m'pce, just not very much like a Bach 11C. And you're right...it's bigger.

S.

Well it's a good thing you didn't say "bet on it."  [img]http://tromboneforum.org/Smileys/otjf/smile.gif[/img]
by ttf_ah64pilot
Wed Oct 07, 2015 10:43 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1099606#msg1099606]Quote from: sabutin on Oct 02, 2015, 06:26PM[/url]Keep it. Y'never know...

S.
I don't know you from Adam but I think we'd get along just fine. We'd be broke, but hell, we'd have a blast!

Ended up paying for both. One is none, two is one. Or something like that.

But I guess now I have 3...
by ttf_bigeg
Fri Sep 04, 2015 6:40 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1094077#msg1094077]Quote from: sabutin on Aug 25, 2015, 07:24AM[/url]My bad, Gabe. I missed the word "plus." Thanks. I will delete the other post after I say something about the .508 bore plus model.

I like it a lot. Much more powerful than the smaller one; much more usable as an acoustic horn with some projecting power. Very 3B-ish but without some of the flaws of many 3Bs...not all 3Bs, though...and with a more complex sound. The only drawback, I think...and you might not call it a drawback...is the relative simplicity of the sound of a yellow brass bell 3B allows it to attack at fairly high volumes like a whip. SMACK!!! Right in your face. A good thing in some respects. I would love to spend some real time w/one of these horns. My .508 is the only size of all of my Shires horns that doesn't quite work for me. I think this one might.

S.

Sam, with your extensive knowledge of horns, how would you say it would compare to a Silversonic 3B rather than a Gold 3B? I play a 70's 3BSS, do you think I'd be losing much or any projection/edge with the MD+? I love my horn, it has…
by ttf_Gabe Langfur
Tue Aug 25, 2015 5:27 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1094020#msg1094020]Quote from: sabutin on Aug 24, 2015, 08:10PM[/url]More like a very lightweight 2B or 2B+, to me.

S.

Are you sure you're talking about the MD Plus, Sam? That's an additional model wiith a .508 slide and 8" bell, not the original with the .495 slide and 7.5" bell.
by ttf_slidemasterc
Fri Jun 26, 2015 1:04 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1081450#msg1081450]Quote from: sabutin on Jun 09, 2015, 10:24PM[/url]Economics enter here. And time as well because as they say, time is money. Given total freedom to experiment I suppose that all talented players could come up "the perfect" equipment. But there is no total freedom. Even the richest trombonist in the world has to buckle down and prove the pudding in performance. If it fails...especially if his various attempts continue to fail...eventually that player is going to be replaced by someone whose choices are overall more successful.

So it goes.

Y'pays yer money and y'takes yer chances. Take too long? You lose. Rush it and fail? You lose again. Juuuusssst right? With any luck...you win.

Life on the free market.


Bet on it.

S.


So, when selecting a new instrument, is it better to satisfice or maximize? Satisfice as in come up with a horn that is good enough realizing that you will never be able to quite get it perfect.
by ttf_ntap
Tue Jun 09, 2015 9:04 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1081344#msg1081344]Quote from: sabutin on Jun 09, 2015, 08:21AM[/url]Ben is right on the money. Timbre is the key. Find the basic sound that you want...which is mostly a matter of bell alloy/weight/size and slide alloy/weight/bore...and then fine tune the attacks, resistances, articulation, projection, flexibility, focus etc. w/leadpipes, crooks and valves systems if applicable. That's what I have learned from assembling 5 Shires horns for particular uses.

Also...beware the "practice room" syndrome. The only way that I have really finalized any of these horns has been playing music in the situations for which I put them together. If you can afford it and/or the music store will give you a couple of weeks to decide, go home with at least several leadpipes and tuning slides. A couple of bells wouldn't hurt either. The proof is in the performance.

Good luck...

S.

P.S. When in doubt, choose the equipment that makes you want to play most musically. Also...do blindfold tests. Fool yourself into the real deal. The mind can play funny tricks. I cannot tell you how many times I have thought something like "Definitely a red/gold brass bell"...or any other preconception...only to realize through blindfold…
by ttf_Duffle
Fri Dec 19, 2014 3:33 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1047798#msg1047798]Quote from: sabutin on Dec 17, 2014, 09:17AM[/url]I played one last week and Ben's right on the money here. Further...it is the first lightweight slide trombone that I have ever played that I really liked timbrally. Maybe I'm evolving in that direction or maybe not, but there it is. On countless visits to the Shires factory and equally countless blindfold tests I have rejected lightweight slides again and again in favor of normal ones. I own 5 Shires trombones and there never was a lightweight slide even in the running as a choice. This one's different. Bet on it. I don't know why, but I'll bet Ben has a theory or two. Something about the combination of the tuning slide and slide crook would be my guess.

Later...

S.

You going to buy one, Sam?.......
by ttf_musicmatt12
Tue Oct 28, 2014 2:48 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1039516#msg1039516]Quote from: sabutin on Oct 28, 2014, 01:08PM[/url]As long as your current m'pce is at least a somewhat logical choice for the size of horn you are trying...not a 12C on a .547 or a 1.5G on a .485, etc...I would recommend staying with that m'pce not only during the tryout session(s) but once you have bought a horn you should stay with it until things stop seriously changing. For me...through any number of horns including 5 Shires instruments of different sizes...that has often meant months of patience. But it's worth it. Changing m'pces will just prolong the adjustment period or worse, completely derail it. Been there, done that too. Fuggedaboudit.

Now if you are buying a completely different size of horn? That gets tricky. I would rent/beg/borrow/steal/whatever a horn of that size and get at least comfortable for a couple of weeks on a mainstream m'pce size for that kind of instrument before I went and blew however much money on a "customized" horn. You be bettah off if you do. bet on it.

S.

Sam,

Thanks for your input. This isn't really about changing anything drastic in terms of mouthpiece size…
by ttf_griffinben
Wed Aug 13, 2014 12:58 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1027317#msg1027317]Quote from: sabutin on Aug 13, 2014, 11:27AM[/url]I haven't talked to Mike about it, but knowing what I know about the whole Shires process I'll bet he settled on that spec because it's what worked the best for him. Guaranteed he tried many combinations.

Guaranteed.

S.

Yes.
by ttf_Duffle
Sat Jul 12, 2014 1:28 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1006267#msg1006267]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 10, 2014, 12:59PM[/url]I can answer that one, to some degree. If you are familiar with different brass gauges in the same alloy and what the different weights actually do, it's easy. The Shires bells generally play, sound and and feel almost one weight heavier than how they are marked. So the M bells feel a just a little bit heavy, the LW bells feel pretty mainstream...maybe a little quicker and brighter than say a stock Elkhart Conn reg. weight bell...and the "reg. weight" bells have some interesting mass to them. Your results may differ, but that's what I have noticed over years of trying bells at the factory, at conventions and at home. When I started playing Shires horns about 12 years ago I liked the regular weight bells...often in red or gold brass...but styles change and so do people. Things are getting brighter these days. My current fave is an 8" 7LW on my smallbore slides. I think if I was playing a great deal of orchestral or chamber work I'd feel the same way on larger bores as well. I still like my 2RVE bells as a soloist on .525 + .547, though. Lots of depth to the sound right on up to f and beyond. Good in brass quintets, too.
by ttf_TromboneMonkey
Thu Apr 10, 2014 3:09 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg1006267#msg1006267]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 10, 2014, 12:59PM[/url]I can answer that one, to some degree. If you are familiar with different brass gauges in the same alloy and what the different weights actually do, it's easy. The Shires bells generally play, sound and and feel almost one weight heavier than how they are marked. So the M bells feel a just a little bit heavy, the LW bells feel pretty mainstream...maybe a little quicker and brighter than say a stock Elkhart Conn reg. weight bell...and the "reg. weight" bells have some interesting mass to them. Your results may differ, but that's what I have noticed over years of trying bells at the factory, at conventions and at home. When I started playing Shires horns about 12 years ago I liked the regular weight bells...often in red or gold brass...but styles change and so do people. Things are getting brighter these days. My current fave is an 8" 7LW on my smallbore slides. I think if I was playing a great deal of orchestral or chamber work I'd feel the same way on larger bores as well. I still like my 2RVE bells as a soloist on .525 + .547, though. Lots of depth to the sound right on up to f and beyond. Good in brass quintets, too.
by ttf_TromboneMonkey
Tue Dec 17, 2013 7:30 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg987267#msg987267]Quote from: sabutin on Dec 17, 2013, 07:23AM[/url]


 You are asking about large bore horns which might mean you are working primarily in Western European-style orchestral settings. I can't say much about that scenen simply because about 99.9% of what I do is in other idioms, but when I bring my unlacquered basses, .547s or .525s into those kinds of situations they always seem to sound fairly appropriate. Maintenance?

Good stuff, I appreciate the input Sam!  Actually like you I almost never play in orchestral settings... I recently grabbed a Williams 4 that happens to be unlacquered and (having never preferred unlacquered horns before) absolutely fell in love with its playing characteristics.  I played Doug's lacquered one for a minute and liked it, but not as much. 

I'm in the market for a large bore, and I'm interested to know if the unlacquered option is worthy of consideration since I like my smaller horn without!   
by ttf_griffinben
Fri Dec 13, 2013 8:26 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?
Replies: 1195
Views: 393085

Shires Q&A, what would you like to know?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=73670.msg986591#msg986591]Quote from: sabutin on Dec 12, 2013, 03:40PM[/url]Well first of all...it's 7.5", 7.75" and 8" bells. That being said...

I have messed around w/the various sizes on a number of horns, and the only differences/commonalities I can hear and feel that are common among all of those sizes on sub-.525 bore horns are these:

The 7.5" bells get bright very early in the dynamic range...a little too early for my tastes...and the attacks and articulations are quite pointed. I didn't think that they were projecting very well, either. However, some of that can be ameliorated by alloy and weight choices.

The 7.75" bells are very well balanced for the kind of playing that I most do...acoustic playing at volume w/projection and good, solid attack characteristics. Really middle of the road, but it's a good road.

The 8" bells are...lush. Gorgeous sounding, I think. Maybe not quite so forceful as an equivalent 7.75" nor quite as projecting, but for anything that doesn't require gorillaing the horn they are more than adequate. For solo work, refined lead playing or blending on inside parts with big-sound sections...very, very nice.
by ttf_daveyboy37
Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:43 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Next Horn
Replies: 36
Views: 12111

Next Horn

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=79061.msg1027163#msg1027163]Quote from: sabutin on Aug 12, 2014, 10:01AM[/url]Also...if you have a car, I would strongly suggest making a day trip to Dillon Music in NJ. They always have a whole wall of used horns plus a good stock of new ones. You want to know the difference between a brass bell and silver bell 3B? No better place to find out. You might luck out there as well and find a horn...not necessarily a 3B...that you like at a price that you can afford.


I should mention that according to their website, Dillon Music has FOUR Selmer Boleros, and a few other Selmer Paris Horns. They are, spec-wise, around the same as a king 3b.  Heck they even look a bit like a king with the curved front bell brace. I have heard great things about them, even from former King 3B lovers. There is also a selmer "largo" that is sometimes seen.

Have you been to Dillon Music? It's worth the trip to get a chance to blow through a whole bunch of horns in a short amount of time.
by ttf_Andrew Pacht
Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:13 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Next Horn
Replies: 36
Views: 12111

Next Horn

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=79061.msg1027163#msg1027163]Quote from: sabutin on Aug 12, 2014, 10:01AM[/url]\

If you can't actually play the horn and you don'y have money to lose, don't gamble. DJ knows his stuff.

Also...if you have a car, I would strongly suggest making a day trip to Dillon Music in NJ. They always have a whole wall of used horns plus a good stock of new ones. You want to know the difference between a brass bell and silver bell 3B? No better place to find out. You might luck out there as well and find a horn...not necessarily a 3B...that you like at a price that you can afford.

Otherwise...just listen to DJ.

Later...

S.

I'll probably wait until I get a horn.  If this bell section still happens to be around, I may snatch it if I have money to.

Thanks for all of your input and advice!!!
by ttf_Andrew Pacht
Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:12 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: Next Horn
Replies: 36
Views: 12111

Next Horn

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=79061.msg1027161#msg1027161]Quote from: sabutin on Aug 12, 2014, 09:55AM[/url]OK, Andrew.

here's trhe deal.

You say that you "...like playing a lot of jazz." What does that mean, really? To you. this is important to the discussion. You just got out of high school and you're going to Fredonia. Do you know what kind(s) of "jazz" you will be playing there? Big band? Small ensembles? What idioms? Will you be playing orchestral music as well? Right now you have a .547 trigger tenor that will fit very well in most Western European orchestral idioms, as a mainstream-style big band horn on lower parts and as a solo instrument in many say post-1956 styles of jazz solo playing. (Post-J.J. Johnson.) It can be shoehorned into playing lead in big bands, but the timbre is almost never really right for the job. Even playing 2nd it will usually be a little too big sounding unless of course the whole section is playing similar instruments, at which point you might consider going somewhere else if you are serious about the music because the college-level bands I hear with all .547 sections just sound terrible to anyone who really knows what's up. If you find as a soloist that you want to play with…
by ttf_bonenick
Tue May 16, 2017 3:26 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Accessories
Topic: Suggestions on trombone stands?
Replies: 73
Views: 24684

Suggestions on trombone stands?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=83215.msg1193974#msg1193974]Quote from: sabutin on May 16, 2017, 03:01PM[/url]I did a web search for that stand...nothing under $100, about $80 of which was shipping from China.

Am I missing something?

S.

IMHO, They don't quite the feel the need to expand the network and can't be bothered for the moment - which is normal, they seem to be a relatively new brand (at least to my knowledge).
by ttf_Big Daddy K
Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:00 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Accessories
Topic: Suggestions on trombone stands?
Replies: 73
Views: 24684

Suggestions on trombone stands?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=83215.msg1191426#msg1191426]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 27, 2017, 04:39PM[/url]They probably sent you and Posaunus extra feet because they can't ead very well.

I feel ya pal
by ttf_BillO
Thu Apr 20, 2017 9:57 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Accessories
Topic: Suggestions on trombone stands?
Replies: 73
Views: 24684

Suggestions on trombone stands?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=83215.msg1190408#msg1190408]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 20, 2017, 09:45PM[/url]Yes.

The new ones are crap.

S.
You could say , "The new ones are Trump".  Same thing.

All that aside ... I have a 25YO Hamilton that is of the Trump kind.  I've never liked it much, but it is still doing the same sub-standard job.  I recently bought a couple of the K&M 14990 stands, and they are Obama good.

All foolishness (not really) aside, the K&M are head and shoulders above the current Hamilton in terms of quality, design, stability and usability.  Either way, remember to put a little grease on all the locking screws.
by ttf_The Sheriff
Sat May 13, 2017 6:13 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: My visit with Roy Lawler
Replies: 216
Views: 470673

My visit with Roy Lawler

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=88843.msg1193449#msg1193449]Quote from: sabutin on May 12, 2017, 08:48AM[/url]

We work together but I have never had a chance to actually play his Lawler stuff because I don't like to confuse my chops on a gig. I'd like to join you.

Later...

Sam



That made me laugh. As great a player as you are Sam, I find it hard to believe that your chops would get confused! Seriously though, I know what you mean, but I suspect they'd be delightfully confused, if only for a while. [img]http://tromboneforum.org/Smileys/otjf/wink.gif[/img]
by ttf_DaveAshley
Fri May 12, 2017 3:49 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Instruments
Topic: My visit with Roy Lawler
Replies: 216
Views: 470673

My visit with Roy Lawler

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=88843.msg1193449#msg1193449]Quote from: sabutin on Yesterday at 08:48 AM[/url]When you're going to meet Alex, let me know. I work with him a lot and he sounds even better now that he's playing the Lawler. I am interested in the horns. We work together but I have never had a chance to actually play his Lawler stuff because I don't like to confuse my chops on a gig. I'd like to join you.
I'm doing the Southampton - New York run on the Queen Mary 2, and I have just a few visits to NY.  We'll be at Red Hook, Brooklyn on Monday, but we have a coast guard inspection/drill and my shore time will be very limited. I'm looking at having Alex visit on Wed. May 31st aboard the ship.  I won't be able to get off the ship that day (port manning duty), but I can have up to four visitors. You can eat for free, and we should be able to get a nice big room to play in. Get in touch with Alex -- I'll need passport info and address, but you can pool that with Alex.
by ttf_sonicsilver
Fri May 20, 2016 9:39 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / The Business of Music
Topic: A Pathetic Living at the Symphony?
Replies: 175
Views: 409249

A Pathetic Living at the Symphony?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=92651.msg1136618#msg1136618]Quote from: sabutin on May 17, 2016, 09:37AM[/url] A brass player who is the equivalent of say a great surgeon or lawyer has I am sure spent equivalent numbers of hours learning how to play like hat. Why not be paid equivalent amounts?

S.

Because society and the free market puts different values on different jobs.

Sometimes there are reasons. Medical experts earn relatively much in reflection of the lengthy training and the life and death nature of what they do. Some sportsmen earn colossal amounts. If I was getting punched in the face by Manny Pacquiao for a job, I'd want to be paid a lot too. But golf? Baseball?

On the other hand, soldiers don't get paid a lot for getting shot at. Care assistants for the aged don't get a lot. Schoolteachers aren't well paid. These are also important jobs.

Back to the slightly whiney-sounding musicians in the article. At one extreme we have cultural dictation: society is given, at its own expense through taxes, publicly funded arts because it's good for us according to some. The problem with that is a basic lack of respect for the freedom of the individual.

…
by ttf_itisunknown
Mon May 16, 2016 5:10 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / The Business of Music
Topic: A Pathetic Living at the Symphony?
Replies: 175
Views: 409249

A Pathetic Living at the Symphony?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=92651.msg1136438#msg1136438]Quote from: sabutin on May 16, 2016, 08:54AM[/url]and the emphasis on nearly perfect playing that exists in even regional orchestras creates emotional stress...for brass players particularly...that is nearly unquantifiable.

S.


Yes...and as some would compare to athletes, there really is no comparison.  Quarterbacks have a TD to interception ratio and a completion ratio...both "far" from perfect. NBA stars have free throw percentages well under 100%.  Pitchers give up hits and walk batters regularly.  Batters are at the top of their game by hitting over .300 (30%)

I imagine the stress for an orchestral brass player is more aligned with that of a surgeon.  Perfection is the standard. Mistakes just can not happen.  I'm in awe.
by ttf_harrison.t.reed
Mon May 16, 2016 9:04 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / The Business of Music
Topic: A Pathetic Living at the Symphony?
Replies: 175
Views: 409249

A Pathetic Living at the Symphony?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=92651.msg1136438#msg1136438]Quote from: sabutin on May 16, 2016, 08:54AM[/url]The problem is..."hours" need to be multiplied by "stress level" to come up with an adequate salary, and the emphasis on nearly perfect playing that exists in even regional orchestras creates emotional stress...for brass players particularly...that is nearly unquantifiable.

S.

Yes, of course! Stress management is part of the skillset you need to maintain. How stressed do you get as a working musician? How stressed do the people already in those jobs get? They probably were stressed at their audition, but professional musicians don't stay pro very long biting their nails over tuba mirum. I'd wager that you don't get very stressed out over your gigs, Sam, because you're a pro. I don't sweat any of my gigs. Norman Bolter from the BSO isn't sweating any gigs, from when I was at UMass.

Now what's really funny was the call I got last week to play alto on Mozart's Requiem for a project put together by a touring choir. The choir was a cohesive group but the director was trying to piecemeal the orchestra together from local musicians and leaned heavily on the Army brass musicians. Mozart Requiem, reconstructed alto part doubling the voices, 15…
by ttf_reedman1
Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:10 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Trombonists
Topic: Trombone players with great Articulations
Replies: 59
Views: 169565

Trombone players with great Articulations

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=93006.msg1143220#msg1143220]Quote from: sabutin on Jun 29, 2016, 03:20AM[/url]OK...let's get real. Let's define the way that we are using the word "articulation" before we go any further here.

[url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articulation_(music)]Wikipedia has a fairly good one[/url]:

Now let's talk about the slide trombone.

What is the operative word...the defining word...in that name?

"Slide"

We have so many possibilities for affecting "the transition or continuity on a single note or between multiple notes or sounds" that we cannot even agree about who does what well. Was Willie Dennis...who developed a rapid jazz improvisation technique that used almost almost no tongue at all, just across the grain slurs..."articulating?" You could hear and understand the lines he was playing, right? Guess so. In Brad Edwards'a wonderful [url=http://www.bonezone.org/_Main/books/books_index.htm]Lip Slur Melodies books[/url]...Rochut-like melodies which are constructed so that they can be played very musically (another word that needs definition here) entirely without the…
by ttf_bonenick
Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:03 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Pedagogy
Topic: The Dark Ages of Trumpet Pedagogy -- Thoughts?
Replies: 41
Views: 15679

The Dark Ages of Trumpet Pedagogy -- Thoughts?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=96942.msg1171745#msg1171745]Quote from: sabutin on Dec 25, 2016, 10:47AM[/url]Balance produces "projection."
That's an excellent point, Sam. The concert I attended to great ensembles led me to think that balanced playing, good intonation (as playing on the sweet spot) and getting articulation right (playing well together and with the same articulations) makes ensembles (especially brass) sound more loud and projecting that they really are, probably thourgh syncing their overtones.

As for using plugs - it is an interesting suggestion - for loud and amplified ensembles makes sense - even more if the sound technicians is not as skillful as we always want them to be.
by ttf_The Bone Ranger
Sat Jun 03, 2017 4:44 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Repairs, Modifications, and Maintenance
Topic: Wider slide or continue bending shanks?
Replies: 38
Views: 13274

Wider slide or continue bending shanks?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=97014.msg1196800#msg1196800]Quote from: sabutin on Jun 03, 2017, 07:07AM[/url]Best of luck to you with this experiment, Andrew. But...I think that you will eventually find that the wider slide does indeed change the playing characteristics of your horn, especially if you are using it as a lead player in fairly aggressive, primarily acoustic big bands.

I don't doubt for a moment that the crook will have an effect. So far, the difference seems nominal, though I've only put in a few hours, and haven't played it in an ensemble yet, either.

I'm betting that the majority of any difference can be overcome now that I am freely able to choose my leadpipe and my mouthpiece. Moving from my 6.5A (with a bent shank - what effect does that have?) to a regular 6 3/4C, for example, is also going to have an effect on the attack, timbre, let alone what various leadpipes bring to the table.

And if I'm wrong? Long term, what is the solution? I'm back to where I was at the beginning of this thread. This way, I'll have something of an answer. For the moment, it seems promising.

Andrew
by ttf_bonenick
Wed Jan 11, 2017 7:09 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Trombonists
Topic: Rare Footage of Dorsey Bros Band Live
Replies: 26
Views: 9801

Rare Footage of Dorsey Bros Band Live

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=97150.msg1173153#msg1173153]Quote from: sabutin on Jan 04, 2017, 12:04PM[/url]Wonderful!!!

Tommy playing live. With power!!! ====.

What energy!!!
I am not a Tommy's expert, but I have to agree +1. Wonderful sound, so focused.
by ttf_TomBone4
Sun Feb 12, 2017 12:58 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Musical Miscellany
Topic: Playing Loudly, But Still Nicely
Replies: 24
Views: 8485

Playing Loudly, But Still Nicely

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=98021.msg1179391#msg1179391]Quote from: sabutin on Feb 12, 2017, 12:41PM[/url]That is very large equipment for that kind of playing, especially for a fairly young student. Part of what you call "loudness" is actually brilliance...a brightness that cuts through like a trumpet. It's hard to make that equipment play that brightly. A good, strong pro can do it, but even pros...like me...tend to use smaller, brighter-sounding equipment if possible in that kind of situation.

Do you have a trombone teacher? Like...someone who actually plays he trombone really well?

Get back to me.

S.




Yep, but we do not practice or work together regularly...


At this point, with the suggestions for a smaller horn, I have a king 606 in alright shape, but the muscle memory for the music is too set in, especially with my mouthpiece to change.  The mp with my King is a 12c.
by ttf_TomBone4
Sun Feb 12, 2017 11:00 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Musical Miscellany
Topic: Playing Loudly, But Still Nicely
Replies: 24
Views: 8485

Playing Loudly, But Still Nicely

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=98021.msg1179335#msg1179335]Quote from: sabutin on Feb 12, 2017, 06:09AM[/url]If the embouchure itself is not strong...and I mean muscularly strong...then it cannot sustain the balance between the lips that is necessary for a good sound.

You write:

It sounds to me like your lips are being blown/overblown into the m'pce by your air. When this happens w/strong air...especially w/ a fairly large m'pce and an equally fairly resistant horn so that you don't simply run out of air..."the sloppiest most disgusting thing ever" is a pretty good description of the results.

Cures?

Sure.

1-Long tones. Lots of them, especially in the registers where this happens. I use Carmine Caruso approaches, and coincidentally I just put up a post explaining some of the basic Carmine exercises. [url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php/topic,97965.0.html]Here it is[/url]. Check it out. BGuttman above suggests varying volumes on long tones. Go [url=https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3071112/Soft-Loud-Soft%20for%20trombone%20pedagogy%20site.pdf…
by ttf_Pre59
Sun Jul 16, 2017 12:03 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Pedagogy
Topic: "Letter M"
Replies: 39
Views: 83900

"Letter M"

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=98054.msg1203636#msg1203636]Quote from: sabutin on Yesterday at 07:32 AM[/url]
It's hard to get people's serious attention with new ideas, and doubly hard when they feel they might be risking their abilities by trying something new.


I couldn't agree more, there's a kind of fear that to discuss a technique that's unfamiliar could be rocking the boat, or creating "ripples in the field".
by ttf_svenlarsson
Sun Jul 16, 2017 6:00 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Pedagogy
Topic: "Letter M"
Replies: 39
Views: 83900

"Letter M"

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=98054.msg1203607#msg1203607]Quote from: sabutin on Jul 15, 2017, 08:45PM[/url]
"M", "P", spitting a seed out of one's mouth...they all depend on the mouth in question. Thick lips/thin lips, big teeth/small teeth, big tongue/small tongue...whatever. A balance must be found...or perhaps better, a set of balances through the ranges...between the essentially non-adjustable upper lip (It can only roll, and not very far) and the incredibly adjustable (with the aid of the movable jaw) lower lip. It's all very individual.

This is where freebuzzing can be very useful. With practice, one can freebuzz with the lower lip in any number of positions vis-á-vis the upper lip...further back, further forward, etc...through particular registers and volumes, but only a few of these positions can be put into a m'pce or playing the horn with good results through manyregisters and volumes.

S.

Absolutely!
by ttf_Pre59
Sat Mar 11, 2017 12:31 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Performance
Topic: Why Do Jazz Artists Always Play The Same Old Stuff?
Replies: 154
Views: 58722

Why Do Jazz Artists Always Play The Same Old Stuff?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=98488.msg1184628#msg1184628]Quote from: sabutin on Mar 11, 2017, 08:47AM[/url]I am not sure. How do you mean, exactly? I'll give it a try, though.

If someone is playing say an arrangement of a Louis Armstrong or Fletcher Henderson piece, being true to the idiom in which they were originally played and yet playing something "new"...something from their own heart, not just a bunch of cobbled-together, stolen licks...then they are making art as far as I am concerned.

"Art" doesn't have to be new to be art. If it was, there would be no reason to play Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and all of the other grandmasters of the Western European concert tradition. Denis Brain playing the Mozart Horn Concerti or Jascha Heifetz playing anything are "art." So is the great Northern Indian musicians playing centuries-old idioms, just for one example.

Ditto with jazz.

I understand the complaint...the so-called "jazz industry" is making recordings of third-rate imitators and then flogging them out there on their so-called "jazz" radio stations and in their mags/websites to be used as background music in automobiles and dining establishments. Anybody who can do a barely passable Miles Davis imitation can get nationwide coverage if he or she…
by ttf_Pre59
Sat Mar 11, 2017 7:24 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Performance
Topic: Why Do Jazz Artists Always Play The Same Old Stuff?
Replies: 154
Views: 58722

Why Do Jazz Artists Always Play The Same Old Stuff?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=98488.msg1184609#msg1184609]Quote from: sabutin on Mar 11, 2017, 05:19AM[/url]
Title question: Why Do Jazz Artists Always Play The Same Old Stuff?

Title answer: If they are playing the same old stuff, they are not jazz "artists."

There are people...real artists, real creators...in NYC who have chosen to make "art"...to be truly creative...in some very old jazz idioms.

Sabutin, could clarify this?
by ttf_Geezerhorn
Wed Jun 28, 2017 5:29 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Trombonists
Topic: Jazz trombonists that play on larger horns
Replies: 49
Views: 166238

Jazz trombonists that play on larger horns

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99042.msg1200815#msg1200815]Quote from: sabutin on Yesterday at 04:54 AM[/url]Conn 6H, I believe a 7C m'pce. "Huge" is too small a word. he could cover he enire Basie band with no mike.

S.

Thanks, Sam.

A Conn 6H! Really! I mean, I know a 6H can cut, but to get such a - powerfully beefy - sound from that equipment is off the charts. And his high range was totally wicked. Yes, there are plenty of guys who could play higher, but certainly not with the intensity he had.

Whew!

...Geezer
by ttf_Geezerhorn
Sun May 07, 2017 7:56 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Trombonists
Topic: Jazz trombonists that play on larger horns
Replies: 49
Views: 166238

Jazz trombonists that play on larger horns

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99042.msg1192802#msg1192802]Quote from: sabutin on Today at 07:22 AM[/url]You also need to remember that in his prime, Slide was a fierce practicer. Marathon practice sessions, every day that he was home.

Marathon!!!

S.

THAT is very inspiring, Sam. I don't know how you came to know this, but I believe you.

Funny thing is, even growing up 3 miles away from his birthplace - I never heard of him until I picked up an album. He was the best-kept local secret. There should be a "Slide Hampton Day" in Jeannette, Pennsylvania!

I hope he is okay. I think maybe he is retired now. Last time I heard him, he was playing jazz on a large-bore horn and sounding utterly fabulous. It can be done. But I believe it takes a Slide Hampton or the like to pull it off!

...Geezer
by ttf_Pre59
Tue Apr 18, 2017 8:46 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Mouthpieces
Topic: How does a Bach 7c compare to a Bach 6 1/2 AL?
Replies: 16
Views: 12664

How does a Bach 7c compare to a Bach 6 1/2 AL?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99342.msg1189443#msg1189443]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 14, 2017, 07:30AM[/url]A 7C is decidedly brighter than a 6.5AL...stronger, more pronounced attacks; gets brighter...to the point of nastiness on many lightweight horns...earlier in the dynamic range, easier high range, less good sound down through the 2nd + 3rd partial, not as flexible, smaller diameter rim, more resistant (smaller throat), harder to articulate rapidly at volume (Backs up for many people.) and many 7Cs seem to have a harder bite on the inside of the rim than other Bachs...

If you are switching to a smaller m'pce, like your general sound and playing on a 6.5AL but you're having endurance and control problems it the upper register...welcome to the club. Many of my contemporaries came to NYC playing 6.5ALs and switched to 6.5As, myself included. Try one. Also try a 6 3/4C. If they are still too big, lots of fine players get really good results out of 11Cs. Urbie Green once said that Bach really only made 2 small shank m'pces, the 6.6AL and the 12C. Everything else was a compromise from one of those. The 11C is like a small 6.5AL stylistically; the 7C is like a larger 12C.

Roughly speaking...

And of…
by ttf_watermailonman
Fri Apr 14, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Mouthpieces
Topic: How does a Bach 7c compare to a Bach 6 1/2 AL?
Replies: 16
Views: 12664

How does a Bach 7c compare to a Bach 6 1/2 AL?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99342.msg1189443#msg1189443]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 14, 2017, 07:30AM[/url]Urbie Green once said that Bach really only made 2 small shank m'pces, the 6.6AL and the 12C. Everything else was a compromise from one of those. The 11C is like a small 6.5AL stylistically; the 7C is like a larger 12C.

True.

When I switched to 6 3/4C and got used to it I found it easy to play 11C's and 6 1/2 AL and all the Hammond mouthpieces. The mount Vernon 12C and the 12E (for alto) both works. Strangely the 7C has never worked for me. It is something with the rim that makes it awkward. The 4C is a strange piece, I don't like that one either.

/Tom
by ttf_ntap
Mon Apr 17, 2017 9:02 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Horns, Gear, and Equipment / Mouthpieces
Topic: Intonation and mouthpiece size for small bore instrument
Replies: 11
Views: 5307

Intonation and mouthpiece size for small bore instrument

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99367.msg1189698#msg1189698]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 16, 2017, 08:34AM[/url]Off the top of my head I know of no other reall good players playing that size of m'pce on sub-.525 horns in NYC except Art Baron on a .508,

I actually took Art's horn to Scott Sweeney a few years ago get the bore of the slide measured and it's something like a .513 or .515. Some sort of Peppy magic!

Thought I'd throw that in there  [img]http://tromboneforum.org/Smileys/otjf/smile.gif[/img]


by ttf_JSBassTrb
Sun Apr 16, 2017 3:10 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Creation and Performance / Musical Miscellany
Topic: Alaska Airline - safe for horn?
Replies: 8
Views: 4362

Alaska Airline - safe for horn?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99372.msg1189701#msg1189701]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 16, 2017, 08:57AM[/url]I have flown on Alaska twice....4 flights round trip each time. In my opinion it is the best-run U.S. airline on which I have ever flown, and the flight attendants/gate people were incredibly helpful with my big, ugly SKB Universal case. I was allowed early boarding on all 8 separate flights, and when on one of them the case didn't fit in the overhead they made room for it in the closet. No bad vibes, just friendly, competent service.

Try them. You'll be as surprised as was I.

S.

Thanks!
by ttf_Pre59
Mon Apr 17, 2017 3:24 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Practice Room
Topic: Where do you play high D?
Replies: 26
Views: 8255

Where do you play high D?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99393.msg1189778#msg1189778]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 16, 2017, 06:50PM[/url]

.....and Eb in 11th partial/#2nd is by far the most reliable high Eb on every horn I've ever played.

S.

+1
by ttf_ALT
Sun Apr 16, 2017 6:57 pm
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Practice Room
Topic: Where do you play high D?
Replies: 26
Views: 8255

Where do you play high D?

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99393.msg1189778#msg1189778]Quote from: sabutin on Apr 16, 2017, 06:50PM[/url]I tune my horns so that 4th partial Bb is in tune quite a bit off of the bumpers,


Out of curiosity, how far is "quite a bit" for you?
by ttf_timothy42b
Tue May 16, 2017 7:45 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Practice Room
Topic: Volume vs phrasing
Replies: 28
Views: 11705

Volume vs phrasing

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=99549.msg1193896#msg1193896]Quote from: sabutin on May 16, 2017, 07:35AM[/url]As a result, I often mark breaths... ( ' ) for a really quick breath, ' for a normal breath, '' for a big breath and ''' for the biggest breath I can possibly take.

S.
Stealing this idea, thanks.


by ttf_savio
Tue Jun 20, 2017 8:36 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Practice Room
Topic: On Mouthpiece Buzzing
Replies: 69
Views: 26465

On Mouthpiece Buzzing

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=100602.msg1199518#msg1199518]Quote from: sabutin on Yesterday at 08:16 AM[/url]He could have been even better. With or without m'pce buzzing.

None of us ever even approach "perfection."

Bet on it.

Carmine Caruso...over and over again:

Bet on that as well.

Later...

S.

Thanks, I believe you might are right.

Another question, can buzzing done wrong harm us or destroy development? And what is the most common faults we do?

I actually do some mouthpiece buzzing but mostly as kind of warm up or together with my small students. I never thought of how to do it, we just try to get it buzz and hit the intonation often with a piano.

In music aspects I tend to sing inside me to get the output I want instead of buzzing.

And Sam, could you listen my mp3 in "performance" section and tell me how to play that kind of music? I believe you have done that more than any else here. If you have time of course. The thing is I'm very unsure how to do it, even if I like…
by ttf_timothy42b
Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:12 am
Forum: TTF Archives / TTF Archives / Teaching & Learning / Practice Room
Topic: On Mouthpiece Buzzing
Replies: 69
Views: 26465

On Mouthpiece Buzzing

[url=http://tromboneforum.org/index.php?topic=100602.msg1199217#msg1199217]Quote from: sabutin on Jun 18, 2017, 10:03AM[/url]I hear the pitches quite clearly, right on up and right on down. S.

I'm pretty sure Sam has learned to hear those pitches very clearly in his brain, and that has a lot to do with why he can play them. 

That's something I struggle with after I get past my comfortable range in either direction, and probably why some of those upper notes aren't as secure.