Harmonic Horizons: Musical Odyssey for Trumpet Enthusiasts
Crafting an album is a journey filled with both challenges and delights, demanding skills that extend far beyond mere instrumental mastery. Yet, amidst the intricacies of this process, there exists a joy beyond words in the act of bringing musical visions to life.
I hope that my musical endeavors stir the curiosity of those who possess a love for the art. If you seek to be uplifted by the magic of music and the joy it instills, I invite you to surrender to the enchanting melodies of the trumpet, as woven into the vibrant tapestry of this collection—an ode to my life’s passion and dedication to the realm of sound.
∴ LET ME DO THE TALKING ∴
With this album, I intend to take you on a journey through some of the most beloved classics and favorite relaxing gems of all time, each with its own unique story to tell.
It goes really well with a glass of rosé or perhaps a cup of chamomile tea. Either way, please sit back and immerse yourself in this musical experience. Feel the tension and excitement build as I weave and navigate through the various songs to bring this music to life.
∴ LE RUGISSEMENT DE LA TROMPETTE ∴
Music knowledge is never truly meaningful until it has been creatively put to good use. Music is about communicating, and in some contexts, our musical ideas are only as good as our ability to share them with others.
There is a clear difference between playing written notes and making music. Jazz improvisation is not automatically the result of practice and experience; it is hard to achieve without endless hours of practice and experience. As an educator, I decided to produce this educational album to help me illustrate certain jazz improvisation concepts that I use not only in my own playing but also as teaching techniques. These improvisation strategies include the use of contrast, shape, time, grouping, motion, volume, intervals, dissonance, continuity, patterns, and rhythm. When used properly, these are the elements that allow a musician to expand the jazz vocabulary needed for fluid and meaningful improvisation.
I hope you enjoy these eclectic and colorful music selections. By the way, in case you are still intrigued, the album title means the roar of the trumpet.
∴ LA VOCE CANTANTE DELLA TROMBA ∴
The purpose of this project was to give me the ability to take the knowledge and theory I acquired while at graduate school and apply them to the creation of a finished musical product.
This project presents an exceptional compilation of my favorite selections from the most indelible musicals of the 20th century. Growing up in New York, the musical theater atmosphere has always been second nature to me! Meaning, I had the privilege and benefit of having enjoyed live performances of every one of these shows (mostly more than once).
Musical theater has produced some of the most magnificent and memorable compositions in popular music. Designed to form part of a dramatic performance, this style of music has the intention and power to make us laugh, cry, or even rejoice.
Now, I invite you to sit back and indulge in the rich and colorful timbres of the trumpet, as presented in this splendid collection of celebrated Broadway hits. By the way, in case you are still intrigued and wondering, the title of the album means the singing voice of the trumpet.
∴ BOLERO NIGHT ∴
Creating an arrangement for an instrumental interpretation of a vocal composition requires a great deal of attention. First and foremost, it is imperative that the interpretation serve to tell the story by getting to the root meaning of the song. These selections have very distinct poetic lyrics. As an instrumentalist, my objective is to help narrate the plot, move the storyline, and convey the emotions intended by the author or composer. Now, I invite you to sit back and indulge in the sounds, textures, and authority of the trumpet as I interpret this resplendent compilation of iconic and timeless bolero classics.
Now, sit back and indulge in these curated bolero selections.
∴ CONFABULATING ∴
All kinds of instrumental ensembles occur in music, though trumpet and piano are by far less common than other combinations. Perhaps it is the loudness and purity of the trumpet that have not attracted many chamber music composers to focus on that particular twosome.
Chamber music has certainly helped me elevate my understanding and interpretation of music. The diminutive size of the ensemble, coupled with the intimate process of music-making, prevents you from hiding and forces you to play every element as clearly as musically possible. That’s the challenge and the appeal that motivated me to explore the idea of playing this particular combination of trumpet and piano duets. The result is an abundance of musical riches that shouldn’t be ignored. This intimate collaboration allows me to really utter my most personal musical thoughts.
Chamber music can seem stuffy or overly refined. However, when you get to hear music that is deeply intentional and well-played by just two instrumentalists, you may be entering heavenly territory. Therefore, I humbly invite you to listen with an open heart and let the music transport you to a place of calmness, beauty, passion, and intrigue.