O.J.'s Trumpet Page | Great artists |
Teachers/mentors:
Robert "Boysie" Lowery - "the
classes"
Clifford Brown was a junior high school
student (at Howard High) when he started as student of Lowery.
"I didn't start him in a book"
said Lowery, "I taught him how to hear."
Lowery also encouraged students to record
their practice session. In the 1940's wire spool recorders existed.
Clifford
Brown became one of the first jazz players to use these devices.
Harry Andrews was hired as band director at Howard High. "I started him [Brown] on the Prescott system, which is based on the Arban's method" said Andrews."I also introduced him to the non-pressure system. He had been using a lot of pressure on putting his lips to the mouthpiece."
Performing career:
In Philadelphia, he performed together
with Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Fats Navarro, whose style was a
major
influence on him. Later he played in Chris Powell's Blue Flames band.
In 1953, he toured Europe with Lionel Hampton, recorded with Art Farmer, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, J.J. Johnson, Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington.
In 1954, he formed the Brown-Roach quintet, together with drummer Max Roach.
In 1955, Sonny Rollins became a member of the group when he replaced Harold Land.
Trumpet practice:
Clifford used to practice a lot. LaRue
had this recollection (page 154 in the Catalano book):
"I'll put it like this: We would have
breakfast, and Clifford would practice. We would go out and then
Clifford
would practice. We would have lunch and Clifford would practice.
Clifford
practiced anytime he possibly could, and even if we were in a place
where
he couldn't blow his horn, even with the mute, he would do lip
exercises
and tongue exercises or he would just simply play his mouthpiece. He
played
constantly."
The legacy:
Clifford Brown is considered one of the
most
influential jazz trumpeters. Leonard Feather writes that he was "admired
for his broad tone and strong attack; flawless execution in all
registers
and at all tempos; flowing, logical improvisations; and lyrical ballad
playing."
A book on Clifford:
By Nick Catalano: "Clifford
Brown : The Life and Art of the Legendary Jazz Trumpeter"
"Brownie" in Norway:
On September 6th 1953, Brownie played
in Norway.
It
was the first country outside U.S. and he was a member of the Linonel
Hampton
band.
Sound samples:
Here are some sound samples in RealAudio.
Are you interested in the imporvisor you
should seek out the Max Roach-Clifford Brown recordings. If you
want to listen closely to the trumpeter's tone you could go to Clifford
Brown with Strings.
Study in Brown:
Clifford Brown with Strings:
Links to Other Clifford
Brown Sites: