Clark Terry explains what he refers to as the “body huff” in this short clip from youtube. This clip was taken from an instructional video that Clark made for trumpet players. The body huff is the correct way to use your diaphragm to produce a sound on the trumpet. Clark always talked about breathing correctly and having enough gas in the tank before you can correctly produce a sound. This method can also be used for articulation along with doodle tonguing. In my early years of playing the horn I was never taught how to breathe or use my diaphragm to produce a sound, and I had to go back and fix this once I got older. Once I learned how to do this I was able to develop my own sound and control the horn. The video goes for a little over 6 minutes and about 5 minutes into it you will hear Clark explain more on this method.
Clark Terry trumpet lesson on youtube
Purchase the Trumpet Course: Beginner to Intermediate with Clark Terry [VHS]
One of the best ways to learn how to play Jazz is to watch others play live. In some cases seeing certain artists live isn’t possible so the next best thing is to watch them perform on DVD. Rahsaan Roland Kirk is one of my personal favorites and I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who would like to see him in concert. The DVD includes three sessions and each one delivers. It highlights Roland Kirk’s ability to play straight ahead standards and make them his own using traditional be-bop language. Kirk also plays a couple of flute features that are amazing. This DVD is a must have for all Jazz musicians.
Purchase information and video sample:
Jazz Icons: Rahsaan Roland Kirk – Live in ‘63 and 67
I first read this book when I was in my first year at the Clark Terry Institute of Jazz Studies. We had a history class that took a full semester and studied this book. This book in my opinion is one of the best historical documents about Jazz music and musicians during the be-bop era that I have read. Miles was such a huge influence on the music and musicians, and this book puts you right in the middle of his life and thoughts. Learning Jazz history is a huge part of being able to play it, and I highly suggest that students start with this book.
Purchase information and a look into the book:
Miles
Here is a transcription of Clifford Brown’s solo on Gerkin for Perkin. Transcribed by my top student Andrew D. Thanks Andrew!
Download the solo
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