Review

Scott Whitfield
Blow Freely!:

Pasadena, CA, United States
Publisher: Gracietunes
Date of Publication: 2008

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

Imparting useful knowledge is vital in the field of music, as is learning and using such information from experienced players. Professional jazz trombonist Scott Whitfield has long communicated his knowledge of trombone and music through clinics, and now has put forth a book to help carry his message: Blow Freely!  

Geared for the serious student, Whitfield’s book addresses three major areas to achieve artistic freedom:  getting the most out of one’s sound, achieving technical freedom and getting to know oneself as an artist. In only 46 pages of text and exercises, the book addresses the use of air, articulation, flexibility, range, alternate positions, clefs, sight-reading, mutes, instrument doubles, as well as listening and working toward artistry. The exercises in the book are straightforward and practical, ranging from easy to challenging.  Although written for a straight tenor the exercises can easily be adapted for trombones with attachments. The book concludes with some great photos of Whitfield and other notable jazz artists. Written with encouraging words in an informal, conversational manner, this book contains useful, practical information that any earnest trombonist should know before venturing out to the first gig.

-Donald Babcock
Eastern Michigan University