Jazz for aficionados

Frogman:

I have a question. I don't know if it's legit, or just my imagination. But if I hear a trumpet playing Mexican Music, just a note or two, I can tell immediately that's it's Mexican music. Not because I recognize the music, but just by the sound / tone of the trumpet. I think this might be true of some other genres as well.

Does this make any sense? If it does, what is the musical explanation for this. Talk about it.

Thanks
Cheers

It is definitely NOT your imagination. Mariachi trumpet players have some very distinctive characteristics s in their playing; in fact, there is a "Mariachi school" of trumpet playing. This style is studied by those players just as the classical and jazz styles are; although, in fairness, there is arguably less complexity (if not subtlety) in that style.

The most distinctive aspect of this style is the use of very fast, but very wide, vibrato; much wider than than used by most jazz or classical players. There is also a very unique and "punchy" way of articulating notes. Articulation is the way that the note is started, usually by the use of the tongue. Mariachi trumpet usually "hits" the note with the tongue in a more aggressive way than in jazz; and certainly more than in classical, where a greater level of finesse in articulation is appropriate. Notice that I said "appropriate"; this lesser level of finesse is not necessarily a deficiency on the part of the players' technique, and is used to fit the style. Interestingly, studies have been done (and this has relevance to audio) that show that recorded players' tones (any instrument) are very difficult to distinguish from each other if you remove the initial attack of the note (articulation/"leading edge" in audio).

More subtle points are preference for a brighter/brassier tone than in other styles, and a tendency to play on the high side of the pitch. Just as with rhythm where some players play on the front or back side of the beat, some players play a little on the sharp side of perfect intonation as opposed to on the low side of the pitch (many jazz players). In jazz, playing on the low side of the pitch can highlight a "bluesy" sound. In Mariachi, playing on the high side of pitch gives the sound extra brilliance. These can be subtle deviations from perfect intonation and not necessarily identified as being out of tune.

Viva Zapata!

Frogman:

Thanks for the prompt and informative reply on the Mariachi trumpet question.

Paquito Vindicated!!! This guy can blow / bop with the best. I listened to 'Milstones' with Claudio Roditi, Paquito and Kenny Barron Great record. I guess it depends what you are playing and where and with whom. This set is live at the bluenote.

I get LULU today. Can't wait to see and hear Miss Julia.

Cheers

It's interesting concerning the backlash some have towards Wynton.It seems a badge of hipness and inter circle creditability to dis him. Too mainstream, unoriginal, lacks soul, passion, and on and on it goes.I'd love the opportunity to get any of these "hipper" musicians on the stage with him and attempt to outplay or "expose him", good luck. Just seems like typical envy and petty jealousy ("hey he gets to much undeserved praise"). Reminds me of how some people react to Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan. They're so talented and gifted that people just find reasons not to like them.

It someone doesn't like Wynton's style that a matter of taste (and that's fine) butvto say he can't play or not to acknowledge his obvious talent is just nutty.The man can flat out play the trumpet.
Regards,

Fellow Jazz Lovers:

Wynton has become the 'goto' guy in Jazz for the non-Jazz world. Need a guest on a talk show to talk about Jazz? Who you gonna call? Who gets the coverted gig at Lincoln Center? He is the face of Jazz in this country, actually the world. Don't like it, or agree, too bad.

Some feel he is not the BEST Jazz / trumpet player or indeed not even the best in his family. That does not matter. What he has, is the appropriate / required SKILL SET to represent the art form. He has it all. The education, personality, speaking ability and abouve all he KNOWS the music and it's HISTORY. And, like you said, he can play! He is a modern day Louis in that respect.

Now some players resent all this. There are not many perks in Jazz, and Wynton seems to get them all. I understand this, even if I don't agree with their attitude. The fans, are as you said. Hippness and possessors of some insight the rest of us po souls don't have, is their motivation. I understand them also.

I respect him more than any other player. He is in the arena, doing all he can to grow the music and keep it alive and relevant in today's music world. Hard to do with all the noise, static and easy undeserved money out there.

And lastly. He looks like a Jazz player! Talk about Cool and hip? That's Wynton. We need more like him!

Cheers

BTW, O-10, I get Ray and Milt today. Will Report.