Monday, October 29, 2012

Recalling My Times with John Swallow, Part 3

In this video I am continuing my 'dialogue' about John in lessons. Air support, air articulation, slide technique, tone and other topics are spoken about. Doing these tributes is bringing up all the important vital things I loved about John. It will be easy for players today, to see how John thought about the technical side and the musical side of playing and how it is very different than what is 'normally' taught today. When I came to NEC in 1973, I had studied with Steven Zellmer who was very Arnold Jacobs, Frank Crisafulli and Edward Kleinhammer trained. Even though Mr. Zellmer had his VERY OWN unique way about things in his relationship to playing and music, it was in another universe compared to John Swallow. From how to use the slide, versatility of articulation, legato and natural slurs and overall facility. John was very nimble and facile with many colors in his music making. His working with many students in my view, surely added to his depth of thought process and reference.   The reason being he loved what he was doing and was genuinely interested.

                Part 3


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