Review

Alan Raph and David Steinmeyer
Playing the Trombone: Beyond Boundaries: How to acquire the special techniques of two of the foremost players of our time

New York, NY, United States
Publisher: Kendor Music
Date of Publication: 2012
URL: http://www.kendormusic.com
Language: English

75 pages. Includes demonstration compact disc

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

This compilation of exercises, etudes, advice, admonitions, remembrances, and playing virtuosity is a testament to two of the outstanding trombonists of the past quarter century and beyond. Alan Raph has long been an outstanding bass trombonist, and it his voice and writings that dominate the project in much the same way it dominated his earlier collaboration with Bill Watrous (Trombonisms) and Wycliffe Gordon (Sing it First). Dave Steinmeyer recently retired as director and lead trombone of the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note.  

The text includes warm-up exercises that, while not groundbreaking, provide useful reminders on the proper use of air, tongue placement, and learning new tunes. In fact, advice and exercises and/or etudes on nearly every aspect of playing are covered. These areas include: keeping good time, “if you feel the band is rushing, you’re probably dragging;” range, “don’t loosen up for low notes;” vibrato, different ways to achieve it; sight reading, “try to hear the notes before you play them;” and articulation, “Some players have a tendency to minimize the attack and to put all of their focus … into the body of the tone. This can quickly become tedious to the listener, very much like someone speaking loudly in a monotone.” Finally, the text concludes with an insightful interview with Buddy Morrow. Any trombonist would be hard-pressed not to find several helpful tidbits from each of these chapters. 

The accompanying compact disc includes a discussion between the authors. Although somewhat rambling and duplicative of parts of the book, the listener is privy to some timeless advice and insightful references to legendary trombonists, including Tommy Dorsey, Urbie Green, and Simon Karasick. In addition, short recordings of Raph and Steinmeyer lend even greater credibility to the proceedings. Both are still quite active, as examples of their playing and teaching are available on the internet and via recordings. Beyond Boundaries is highly recommended for its relevant playing instructions and as a window into the legacy of two outstanding trombonists.

-Joel Elias
California State University, Fresno; CSU Sacramento