Nobody ever double-timed as smoothly and with as much creative polish as Carl Fontana. I especially love when he weaves familiar themes into his improvisation.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Jim Pugh. That guy is a monster. I have had all the records of the Woody Herman band from the 70s for years and to this day, Pugh still blows me away. I think he has a lot of Fontana in his style, but I also hear some Watrous.
Come on guys one of the best instruments ever (and the most difficult for playing jazz I imagine) Lets enjoy them all individualy! I get sick of comparisons dont you? JJ Johnson Kai Winding Wayne Andre Frank Rosolino Bob Brookmeyer All great stars giving a lot of pleasure in there own ways!!
You can't compare jazz and classical tones. Jazz tone is all about preference, just because it is different doesn't make it wrong or better or worse than other tones. Classical tones are a part of a larger expectation from the public. Everyone emulates the modern model of playing solo lit and orchestral lit. Saying Alessi's can't be compared to Watrous is completely false and completely unrelated. Both of those men have different experiences and idols that they grew up emulating.
I think such negative comments about such wonderful players is a travesty. Carl is one of my favorite players too, but to say Andy doesnt swing or that Watrous plays boring licks is just an ignorant statement.
I took a semester off from Berklee in the fall of '98 so I could play with Carl every Monday night for 4 months, which I did in Las Vegas at a place called Carollo's (no longer around), and I am a saxophonist! I learned more in those 4 months than I did in 4 years at Berklee. Some great cats from LA just 'showed up' at random just to play with Carl. That's how you learn jazz. That stuff can't be taught in a school. That being said, such opportunities are stupid rare which is too bad.
Vraiment incroyable quand je l'entend phraser comme ca !!!! le son, le phrasé, tout y est c'est le Jaco Pastorius du trombone !!! que du bonheur !!!!!!!!!!
I know lots of people who dig Watrous, he won the dowbbeat poll for best trombonist 7 years in a row. He is a living legend and a really nice guy I might add. Sorry.
i like how watrous hasnt even been mentioned in this thread haha hes the best im my book. he takes jj, fontana, dorsey, green, winding, rosolino (the list goes on) and mixes it with the technique and cleanliness of alessi and all the best. when doing this, he ends up with an overwhelmingly superior sound. it always dissapoints me when i hear someone so missinformed say that jj was and always will be the best...
Hey anyone: check out the video of his playing with the Henry Mancini orchestra on The Steve Allen show from around 1982 and the "Theme From Peter Gunn". He makes playing that horn look effortless and fun.
It was really awesome! He plays the trombone in an efforless manner and seems just enjoying that. It's truly inspiring! th-cam.com/video/dechpnavTyA/w-d-xo.html
@Joebone18974 Its all a matter of opinion, I LOVE JJ too, hes way up there in my book, just not as high as Carl. What i said in the above post however was to simply to prove a point to a user who obviously has a severe lacking in knowledge of the history of trombone, nothing more, ya gotta be EXTREME to get through to idiots sometimes.
@JoNathanRJammin Good sound? Sure, but don't compare it to Alessi by any means. I'm not saying ANYTHING against waltrous but I've probably listened to more music performed by one of those musicians each than you have all of them combined, (so don't think I'm misinformed), but in MY book watrous has an underwhelming superior sound. Sure, he's got a fantastic TONE, but it doesn't make up for what fontana, jj, rosolino, + others like Gordon have in superior CREATIVITY, by far the most important.
Watrous is a sweet guy, always has been. Anyone who says different is just jealous of his playing. Trust me, many guys are on the ready to put him down as a person and a player and haven't even met him ,much less taken the time to actually sit down and listen to the beauty of his playing.
@lagooned Hands down, Fontana was the best, even Bill W. would say this. I had the priviledge of playing with both trombonists, as well as Andy Martin in Vegas, and Fontana's jazz licks, tone, and flawless technique is untouched by any other trombonist. Andy's got the tone, but his licks don't swing. Bill has the high notes and is techinically superior, but who wants to listen to his boring licks? just my thoughts, cheers!
Thank you for sharing, do you happen to know other musicians? I recognized Terry Clarke on drums and possibly Larry Novak on the piano, though I am not sure about him but who is the bassist?
Hard to believe that at one point in American pop cultural history, the two biggest musical stars were trombonists--Glen Miller was #1 in record sales and Tommy Dorsey #2 (in spite of having Rich and Sinatra in the band). What a sad commentary that an American master like Fontana had so few opportunities to record, spending his time playing anonymously in Vegas pit bands.
That is so true!! Scott Whitfield is from my area, and he is the MAN. Nicest guy ever. Check out his album "To Be There" -- he has a song with Carl Fontana on there. It is AMAZING. And while I don't think Scott Whitfield is better than Fontana technically, he has some amazing chops and in my honest opinion Whitfield has the best tone I have ever heard.
It's nice to see carl again.He was one of the nicest people I ever knew.Never had a bad word to say.He was an old family friend.I've known him since I can remember.When my dads band was in 'Vegas he would always be 1st 'Bone.what a great man and musician.They got a great band in heaven i would suppose.....Thanks for the memories Carl.
Scott was in my dads big band in L.A.Thats how I met him.He really is one of the nicest people and has great talent.I saw him on some solos that blew me away....Whitfield is great,CF also was....fine people both of them....
Beautiful. It's a shame that the entire video isn't available here. Carl Fontana is a truly gifted trombone player and I'm pleased that, at least, I had the privelege of hearing his entire solo. My thanks to leopar68.
I just recently found out Fontana mentored my jazz director growing up and was a close and dear friend to his family. In addition, this legend was from a town right next to where my father grew up. Incredible, but not nearly as incredible as his playing!!
I currently study/TA with Jim Pugh and I can tell right now he has one the most gorgeous tones you will ever hear in person, not to mention command over the instrument.
...so I was youtube surfing Peggy Lee & then happened upon/discovered Jiggs Whigham & the trombone, & LOVED his performance of "If He Walked into My Life," w/20 Trombones, then watched him give a couple of lessons on lip/jaw vibrato...& THEN he mentioned Carl, so here I am... a NEW fan of trombone and CARL FONTANA !!! AWESOME! I am 57 yrs old, do NOT play trombone or any other brass, have only dabbled on piano/acoustic guitar (ext beginner)... & here I am LOVING the trombone!! TQ lopar!
@brickitybrax Well you are starting a youtube fight, thats like saying "Oh I dont want to fight, but I am going to punch you in the face". Go figure. Secondly, I was responding to another Ignortant comment from someone who was saying that all trombonists including Carl Fontana were inferior to Elliot Mason I think it was, I dont know!! Dude this comment was written 2 years ago, Ive listened to literally thousands of new musicians since then and I dont even have close to the same views anymore.
Transcription on this solo on www.carlfontana.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Plays-The-Blues.pdf
thanks for your feedback !
Carl is THE man!! No one can beat his melodic and rhythmic sense. And what about his ridiculous technique? We miss you...
Nobody ever double-timed as smoothly and with as much creative polish as Carl Fontana. I especially love when he weaves familiar themes into his improvisation.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Jim Pugh. That guy is a monster. I have had all the records of the Woody Herman band from the 70s for years and to this day, Pugh still blows me away. I think he has a lot of Fontana in his style, but I also hear some Watrous.
yup
Come on guys one of the best instruments ever (and the most difficult for
playing jazz I imagine) Lets enjoy them all individualy! I get sick of comparisons
dont you? JJ Johnson Kai Winding Wayne Andre Frank Rosolino Bob Brookmeyer
All great stars giving a lot of pleasure in there own ways!!
trombonista, You really don't understand the whole think. Never mind.
You can't compare jazz and classical tones. Jazz tone is all about preference, just because it is different doesn't make it wrong or better or worse than other tones. Classical tones are a part of a larger expectation from the public. Everyone emulates the modern model of playing solo lit and orchestral lit. Saying Alessi's can't be compared to Watrous is completely false and completely unrelated. Both of those men have different experiences and idols that they grew up emulating.
Carl we shook hands and dined together in Switzerland at jazzmen table remember? So Long pal. Rest in Peace
Carl Fontana and Frank Rosolino were probably the best trombone players in world history.
Brian Lemon on piano - who are the others? Was this recorded in England?
I think such negative comments about such wonderful players is a travesty. Carl is one of my favorite players too, but to say Andy doesnt swing or that Watrous plays boring licks is just an ignorant statement.
j.j.'s the master kids. come on now. but this is great
I took a semester off from Berklee in the fall of '98 so I could play with Carl every Monday night for 4 months, which I did in Las Vegas at a place called Carollo's (no longer around), and I am a saxophonist! I learned more in those 4 months than I did in 4 years at Berklee. Some great cats from LA just 'showed up' at random just to play with Carl. That's how you learn jazz. That stuff can't be taught in a school. That being said, such opportunities are stupid rare which is too bad.
This is pure class. We'll never see the likes of this again.
***** Well my all time favourite musician/composer was Dvorak but he died in 1904. I used to go to school with his older brother Denis.
you wont because you are the most blinkered individual online trolling
Keep telling yourself that buddy. Theres a reason that this comment was marked as SPAM by other youtube users lol.
what a clean doodle tongue !
Also surprised that no one has mentioned Conrad Herwig.
Vraiment incroyable quand je l'entend phraser comme ca !!!! le son, le phrasé, tout y est c'est le Jaco Pastorius du trombone !!! que du bonheur !!!!!!!!!!
He is a very, very great master in this genre, thank you!
I know lots of people who dig Watrous, he won the dowbbeat poll for best trombonist 7 years in a row. He is a living legend and a really nice guy I might add. Sorry.
smooth as silk. sweet
That man devoured those changes.
Have u ever heard "the blues" at that tempo? That's Fontana. Surprise personified! Donny C
As a trombonist I LOVE the trombone solo.... but why cut off the bass solo? D:
i like how watrous hasnt even been mentioned in this thread haha hes the best im my book. he takes jj, fontana, dorsey, green, winding, rosolino (the list goes on) and mixes it with the technique and cleanliness of alessi and all the best. when doing this, he ends up with an overwhelmingly superior sound. it always dissapoints me when i hear someone so missinformed say that jj was and always will be the best...
Nobody touches Rosolino.
@@wcutrombone It's all personal opinion. JJ is 1 for me and Frank is a close second.
a master of taste I guess, Fontana sounds the coolest for me but these 3 were all astonishing for the less....
very cool.
great trombonist!...wheeeewh.
Boy do I have a long way to go, great stuff Carl!
carl fontana, the greatest jazz trombonist of all time possibly...
His time is relentless.
One of the best trombone solos i think i have ever heard
Facts
this is my best friend uncle :D
Hey anyone: check out the video of his playing with the Henry Mancini orchestra on The Steve Allen show from around 1982 and the "Theme From Peter Gunn". He makes playing that horn look effortless and fun.
It was really awesome! He plays the trombone in an efforless manner and seems just enjoying that. It's truly inspiring!
th-cam.com/video/dechpnavTyA/w-d-xo.html
Someone transcribed this one - anyone have it? I can't seem to locate my copy.
@Joebone18974
Its all a matter of opinion, I LOVE JJ too, hes way up there in my book, just not as high as Carl. What i said in the above post however was to simply to prove a point to a user who obviously has a severe lacking in knowledge of the history of trombone, nothing more, ya gotta be EXTREME to get through to idiots sometimes.
Sébastien, Merci pour la transcription
it's clear to me now where phil wilson gets his playing style from, obvious that greats learn from greats.
That guy can swing!
@JoNathanRJammin Good sound? Sure, but don't compare it to Alessi by any means. I'm not saying ANYTHING against waltrous but I've probably listened to more music performed by one of those musicians each than you have all of them combined, (so don't think I'm misinformed), but in MY book watrous has an underwhelming superior sound. Sure, he's got a fantastic TONE, but it doesn't make up for what fontana, jj, rosolino, + others like Gordon have in superior CREATIVITY, by far the most important.
Watrous is a sweet guy, always has been. Anyone who says different is just jealous of his playing. Trust me, many guys are on the ready to put him down as a person and a player and haven't even met him ,much less taken the time to actually sit down and listen to the beauty of his playing.
i met scott this last summer in LA. I sat in with Roger Newmans big band and he played the most kick ass solo break on Cherokee! Funny guy too!
@lagooned Hands down, Fontana was the best, even Bill W. would say this. I had the priviledge of playing with both trombonists, as well as Andy Martin in Vegas, and Fontana's jazz licks, tone, and flawless technique is untouched by any other trombonist. Andy's got the tone, but his licks don't swing. Bill has the high notes and is techinically superior, but who wants to listen to his boring licks? just my thoughts, cheers!
Thank you for sharing, do you happen to know other musicians? I recognized Terry Clarke on drums and possibly Larry Novak on the piano, though I am not sure about him but who is the bassist?
Hard to believe that at one point in American pop cultural history, the two biggest musical stars were trombonists--Glen Miller was #1 in record sales and Tommy Dorsey #2 (in spite of having Rich and Sinatra in the band). What a sad commentary that an American master like Fontana had so few opportunities to record, spending his time playing anonymously in Vegas pit bands.
@svenlarsson .. Carl said at a workshop, that he didn't invent it - he just started it as a child, because his tongue was so slow.
I think carl sounds great here.
However the way you phrased you comment is very funny as well as the negative response it evoked.
!! punaise sacré relevé !!
That is so true!! Scott Whitfield is from my area, and he is the MAN. Nicest guy ever. Check out his album "To Be There" -- he has a song with Carl Fontana on there. It is AMAZING. And while I don't think Scott Whitfield is better than Fontana technically, he has some amazing chops and in my honest opinion Whitfield has the best tone I have ever heard.
This absolute master makes it look so effortless and easy!!! Raging jealous!
carl fontana clicked the dislike-button because they would'nt post the whole video!
Are you kidding? This is great! This style would not be appropriate for classical trombone, but for jazz its perfect.
It's nice to see carl again.He was one of the nicest people I ever knew.Never had a bad word to say.He was an old family friend.I've known him since I can remember.When my dads band was in 'Vegas he would always be 1st 'Bone.what a great man and musician.They got a great band in heaven i would suppose.....Thanks for the memories Carl.
Scott was in my dads big band in L.A.Thats how I met him.He really is one of the nicest people and has great talent.I saw him on some solos that blew me away....Whitfield is great,CF also was....fine people both of them....
Beautiful. It's a shame that the entire video isn't available here. Carl Fontana is a truly gifted trombone player and I'm pleased that, at least, I had the privelege of hearing his entire solo. My thanks to leopar68.
Only the best -What -a group. Sure would like to hear the whole gig !
I always love to watch the fingers of his right hand. He makes it look (and sound) so easy.
Now the best trombone player I think is Scott Whitfield....Great phrasing,technical ability.....another great person too.
I just recently found out Fontana mentored my jazz director growing up and was a close and dear friend to his family. In addition, this legend was from a town right next to where my father grew up. Incredible, but not nearly as incredible as his playing!!
I currently study/TA with Jim Pugh and I can tell right now he has one the most gorgeous tones you will ever hear in person, not to mention command over the instrument.
this just shows you dont have to cram every note and every rythym you know in to make amazing,
I think JoNathan has the best tone out of every jazz trombonist. That Basin Street cadenza was sick. :3
Terry Clarke is the drummer, this was recorded in Bern, Switzerland.
who are the rest of guys on the band>>>Milt Bernhardt anyone???
You are listening to genius here. There will never be better.
there is 1 misplaced woodwind in 156 low brass player
This is so good, I didn't want it to end.
wow, carl fontana is awesome
can someone answer who is the piano player???
what a delicious musical treat! thanks for the upload.
Does anyone know what year this was? Thanks.
@themightyquinn94 In jazz, that is
this is my best friend uncle :D
when was this performed?
what a pleasure
Sounds good
THIS IS MY TEACHER
Damn
i agree!
wow!
Does anyone know the name of the blues the are playing here?
"and this is how u play the trombone blues"
Fontanas Blues !
...so I was youtube surfing Peggy Lee & then happened upon/discovered Jiggs Whigham & the trombone, & LOVED his performance of "If He Walked into My Life," w/20 Trombones, then watched him give a couple of lessons on lip/jaw vibrato...& THEN he mentioned Carl, so here I am... a NEW fan of trombone and CARL FONTANA !!! AWESOME!
I am 57 yrs old, do NOT play trombone or any other brass, have only dabbled on piano/acoustic guitar (ext beginner)... & here I am LOVING the trombone!! TQ lopar!
... and what's so amazing, is that he does all his dirty work between 1st and 3rd position !!!
@brickitybrax Well you are starting a youtube fight, thats like saying "Oh I dont want to fight, but I am going to punch you in the face". Go figure. Secondly, I was responding to another Ignortant comment from someone who was saying that all trombonists including Carl Fontana were inferior to Elliot Mason I think it was, I dont know!! Dude this comment was written 2 years ago, Ive listened to literally thousands of new musicians since then and I dont even have close to the same views anymore.