In this issue we introduce to you Javi Colomer from Spain, Thein artist and one of the foremost Spanish-speaking bass trombone players in the world. David Vining talks about one of a number of very important issues: embouchure dystonia. Raymond Lam, meanwhile, talks about Life in Beijing, whilst Jesper Juul Windahl, talks about moving from a life as a professional player to that of a professional teacher in Denmark. Wayne Groves gives a very interesting account on the trombone activity in Mexico, before Jorge Silveyra gives us a flavour of trombone life in Argentina.
We get top notes from bass trombonist, John Rojak, of the American Brass Quintet, who looks at the difference in approach of playing in a brass quintet compared to an orchestra. Then to Håkan Björkman, principal trombone of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, before we interview Oscar Diaz Associate Professor of Music at A&M in Kingsville Texas. We are rather jazz inclined for the rest of the issue, with an article on composing for the trombone from Bill Broughton, Mark Nightingale explains how his latest project was inspired by Jay and Kai. Living legend Frank Mathison is interviewed by Alan Jenkins (both of them played in the London Symphony Orchestra), before we find out what went on at this year’s ITF in Rochester, upstate New York, outlined by the event’s official photographer Derrick Parker. Again to emphasise our interactive feel you can listen to excerpts from the CDs we have reviewed and read about testimonies from those involved. Finally, Wyclffe Gordon, who needs no introduction, tells us about his methodology and new book, Sing it First.
Brett Baker
September 2014
