Lots of longtones and listening to the master. There is no one better to want to emulate.

That's the only way.

 

Yes it is. Too bad there's no mouthpiece or horn that makes you sound exactly like the guys you like. But then again, what good would it do to sound exactly like them. The great thing about trying to sound like those guys is that in the way you'll realize how you can change your air to sound brighter, more spread, darker, whatever and at the same time you'll be developing YOUR OWN sound concept because some things will just feel right. It takes time though. You won't get anywhere near that sound overnight but rather after you've spent a year really working on it.

A horn in good shape and a mouthpiece with the right sound tendencies can help too (maybe 10-15% if you want to be optimistic about it)

Victor.

 

isn't it a Buescher Big B?

 

I think he turned the neck abit so it gives him a darker sound, but I wouldn't recommend it.

 

lots of practice and trying out diff gear combos

 

developing a concept of the sound you want then practising and copying until you achieve are always the most important things.
Check out "Live in Swing City" (LCJO) and listen to "Black and Tan Fantasy"- Ted Nash plays a great Hodges style alto solo- his articulation and nuance are what achieves that.

 

Get some lessons from Sidney Bechet? :twisted:

 

Buescher Big B and an old small-tip Otto Link. Get to it, man....

Oh yeah, plus you gotta work on that vibrato.

 

There was only ONE Johnny Hodges. I've never heard anyone sound like him, and I doubt I ever will. Fantastic clip. Thanks for sharing it.

 

Norris Turney could get awful close.

 

Concept! Gear doesn't matter.

Click on the "soundclick" link below and play "Bloodcount".