HOTLINE BLING

Listening in the car to the music station chosen by my teenage boys one afternoon, this tune from Drake came on. I’d heard it many times before, but this time it struck me that it could make for an interesting alto trombone creation and worthwhile addition to the Electrik Project.

Playing it in the original key presented some interesting challenges and opportunities. The melody reaches down into the alto’s lowest notes and makes for difficult slide maneuvering. But the timbre of those bottom notes shape the character of the melody.

Drake’s original is lesson in recording and mixing lead vocals. My goal was to emulate the character of Drake’s masterfully recorded and mixed lead vocal resulting in a trombone presence that would carry this very simple tune.

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Being familiar with the great alto trombone playing of Michael Lake, I can attest that his words of wisdom within this book don’t come from a theoretician, but from a remarkably  accomplished artist. I highly recommend this great book!!”

– Cristian Ganicenco, Principal Trombone, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

I really like this interesting and well-disposed book. So many good thoughts, facts and tips on alto trombone. Good guidance for the searching alto souls out there. A must-have for the shelves.

– Håkan Björkman, Principal Trombone at Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

I highly recommend Alto Trombone Savvy for players around the world wanting advice on handling the alto trombone at the highest level. Classical and jazz players both share the same challenges, and it’s great to have this book in either bass or alto clef to help answer some of those challenges.

– Carsten Svanberg, International Trombone Soloist and Professor of Trombone at the University of Music and Arts Graz

For anyone interested in learning to play the alto trombone, whether for classical or jazz, this book is a must. Clearly written, with excellent exercises and links to audio examples, Michael Lake has provided the trombone world with a wonderful new resource.

– Ralph Sauer, Former Principal Trombone, Los Angeles Philharmonic

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