Review

Jeff Reynolds
A Comprehensive Workbook for Bass Trombone and Tenor Trombone with F-attachment:

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Study Material - method
Secondary Genre: Study Material - etude

Jeff Reynolds is best known as the retired bass trombonist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, 1969-2006. He has also been a member of the Summit Brass, the L.A. Brass Society, the California Brass Quintet and the Hollywood Trombones. Mr. Reynolds was the music director of the Moravian Trombone Choir for 25 years. His most recent musical endeavors involve assembling, directing, and composing music for Compline Choirs. The Compline is the final “office” in the canonical hours and includes a short prayer service that is sung and chanted at the end of each day.  
 
In the workbook’s introduction Mr. Reynolds is quick to point out that, unlike many of his contemporaries, he was not a product of a famous music school or conservatory. He studied with Robert Simmergren at Long Beach State University, to whom the book is dedicated, Roger Bobo and Robert Marsteller. In large part because of this, he writes, “I had free reign to dream up exercises that addressed certain aspects of brass playing, thinking outside the box, because I didn’t know there was a box.” Consequently, this book is filled with a wide variety of high level exercises along with valuable history, philosophies, and other information.
 
The text begins with multiple examples of pre-warm ups, recommendations on how to practice efficiently and a suggested daily practice routine. He then moves on to tone and endurance exercises with thorough explanations of proper embouchure position and tongue placement. It is suggested that one pays close attention to the descriptions to get the most out of each exercise. Mr. Reynolds provides information about the evolution of the bass trombone from a single F valve (.562 bore) to the modern day, two-valve version (.578/.580 bore) as well as the rationale and history behind his famous G bass trombone that was made by the legendary Larry Minick.
 
The workbook continues through numerous musical patterns, scales and arpeggios that, once mastered, should be played in every key. He then moves on to an extensive section on warming down and includes a variety of “benders.” These are followed by insightful thoughts on auditioning with lists of suggested study material including excerpts, solos, and etude books. This section closes with thoughts about what “smart players” do and how they go about their business. There are a number of tips that could be referred to often or posted on bulletin boards for reflection.
 
Finally, Mr. Reynolds dedicated the last quarter of the text to combining his new passion for Compline Choirs and Gregorian chant with trombone playing. He writes “I include these lessons in chant to get you back into the roots of melody, stripping away any sense of a beat, subdivision, or logical shape. It is, in the end, just plain song.” The performance of chant on the trombone is a unique feature of the text. The playing of simple, yet slightly unpredictable melodies allows one to focus on the most basic elements of tone, legato, and phrasing in a relaxed and contemplative way.
 
In the end, it is Mr. Reynolds’ extensive experience as a brass player that comes through the pages of this workbook. The exercises are unique, the information is valuable, and the comments are insightful. It is recommended for all trombonists, particularly those who feel they may be stuck in a “rut” or trapped by their current routine. Mr. Reynolds’ approach will likely help players see things in a different light.

-Eric High
St. Norbert College