On Tuesday, July 6th, three outstanding trombonists came and played for the students at Summer Music to promote their upcoming recital at the Lafayette Public Library, July 18th, 7PM. Mr. Timothy Higgins (newly appointed principal trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), Mr. Paul Welcomer (second trombonist of the San Francisco Symphony), and Mr. David Ridge [...]

Interview with drummer, craftsman, and thinker, Glenn Cronkhite. Glenn is a craftsman of the old world, and shares with us his life story, and how he ended up inventing the modern gig bag, and how he founded what became Reunion Blues. Episode 3 Direct Download Link Please subscribe in iTunes

Sigh. In an ongoing effort to fight the mythos of “uh, chicks can’t do that dude” there are two videos below that Mr. Alex Iles shared with the trombone list recently. In his post he referenced an interesting note, Amanda Stewart was recently appointed Associate Principal trombone with the New York Philharmonic. This is a [...]

Gotta love the YouTube! – I wish I’d had the opportunity to see this two decades ago! Great solo in the middle by Bob Brookmeyer. The intricate harmonies of the That & Mel band are something to behold. Playing them in the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra was a real education for me- the concepts of tonal [...]

Episode 2 of Meeting With Masters: Thoughts on Music with people who don’t suck, is up at it’s new home. This episode features Los Angeles great, Mr. Alex Iles- studio trombonist, jazz artist, college professor, orchestral musician, and good human! You may DOWNLOAD IT DIRECTLY, or better yet: Subscribe in iTunes Hope you enjoy – [...]

Today only- a FREE download of Michael Giacchino‘s soundtrack to the movie “Up” sponsored by the L.A. Times.Download code is: “latimesdisney” Enjoy! – he’s one of my new favorite composers. Best, Dr. J

Steven Witser dies at 48; L.A. Philharmonic’s principal trombonist – Los Angeles Times The loss of a stellar player, teacher, and human: Steven Witser. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Witser personally, but I do have several close friends and colleagues who were students and friends of his–through which, I have learned [...]

Made it to NYC, quick 4-5 hr nap and it’s go time! I really should have taken a photo- it’s a neat feeling (even when you’re flying coach) to approach the baggage carousel and see “that guy” with the sign is actually waiting for YOU. OK, it’s probably petty, but it’s the little things that [...]

Bonehead Heads to Carnegie Hall – Thank you for your support!

Streaming Audio: WEDNESDAY, February 18th, 6PM Pacific Time Press Release Below:Distinguished Trombonist to Perform in Free Concert at Catlett Music Center “This will be a very special concert,” says Irv Wagner, professor of trombone with the OU School of Music. “We have Jacques Mauger as a guest soloist with the Trombone Choir.” The University of [...]