Jazz Trombone

Abstract

Regardless of the genre, there are numerous shared aspects of trombone playing: beautiful, stylistic sound quality; technical solidity; accurate, flexible intonation; and the ability to demonstrate sound musical judgment. Listening and imitation are especially crucial for young trombonists because the trombone is a technically difficult instrument to master, and that cannot be done without good models. The embouchure is relatively easy to form and develop, but the slide takes far more work to play in tune and without glissando. More than any other wind instrument, the trombone requires a player with an excellent ear. This chapter deals with the parts of the big band trombone section and its functions as a unit, followed by a discussion of trombone technical challenges in jazz (particularly with articulation), equipment, and important recordings.