Tuesdays on the Tube: Marshall Gilkes, Jazz Trombone

Today, I wanted to highlight one of my favorite jazz trombonists that is becoming quite popular in the music world. Marshall Gilkes grew up in a musical family and has lived throughout the country while his father was a musician in the Air Force. Marshall received his musical training at University of Northern Colorado, Interlochen, and Juilliard, studying with Wycliffe Gordon, Joseph Alessi, Buddy Baker and Ed Neumister.

Something unique that Marshall incorporates into his playing that has helped me in my playing is his use of pedal tones. In many of his compositions he uses pedal tones as a bass line. It is quite extraordinary the amount of interval jumping he is able to effortlessly perform. I would highly recommend going to hip-bonemusic.com and paying $4.99 for the 20-minute video given by Gilkes on how he uses pedal tones in his playing. To specifically hear a track where pedal tones are prevalent, listen to the Spotify track below of his tune, Puddle Jumping, from his album Edenderry.

[spotify id=”http://open.spotify.com/track/3aSsDywewGlXTL2vfyB37q” width=”300″ height=”80″ /]

As for today’s YouTube video, here is his performance of “Downtime” with the WDR Big Band, a group he was a part of for four years. I am a big fan of his diverse playing whether it is fast and low or simple and slow, and I hope we get a chance to hear more of his playing as times rolls along. Be sure to check out Marshall’s website for more info on upcoming projects and performances.

Also, check out our WordPress blog friends at The 8th Position for their interview with Marshall Gilkes.

Cheers and Pedal Tones!