Ron Wilkins Releases New Etude Book on the Major Blues
Trombonist and Vocalist Ron Wilkins has released a new etude book called created for bass trombone and tuba players. Read below what Ron has to say about this new project:
This etude book was written to fill a void in the jazz world. Bass trombone and tuba traditionally are not viewed as soloistic instruments. However, they have an expansive range and an uncanny ability for expression that deserves to be explored and featured. I have incorporated jazz language into these etudes as a means of self-expression for use in traditional jazz/blues/bebop/bossa nova styles. While transcriptions are a great tool for developing improvisation, there is not as much content with the mechanics of bass trombone/tuba in mind.
These etudes are written more towards the “meat” of the register of these instruments and as a challenge to the player to improve their articulation, focus, facility, and rhythmic/stylistic approach to playing the blues. The key to performing these etudes and improvising in a stylistically appropriate way is to play with lighter legato and staccato articulations, and slightly lower volume. The importance of developing a jazz rhythmic language cannot be overstated.
I find a lot of inspiration from listening to and emulating characteristics of great jazz bassists and baritone saxophonists. I have spent a lot of time working out my ideas using Jamey Aebsersold’s books and backing tracks. These etudes fit well over his Blues In All 12 Keys Volume 42. I recommend using them as backing tracks, and once you have played through the etude, continue to improvise using your ideas.
Click here to learn more about Ron Wilkins and this new book.
