TIN MAN

Consider this a metaphor for a mechanical object with the heart and soul of a human being. It’s one of my favorite themes – witness Roy’s Theme and Artificial Intelligence.

I wanted to create a piece of music in a manner that technologically extended the speed and range of the trombone but to do so without losing the heart and soul of the music – or of the trombone.

This piece is itself the Tin Man in that something emotional arises from a synthesis of sampling, MIDI messages, and sound twisting. While that can be said about any piece from the Electrik Project, the technological patchwork used in this music is far more extensive.

The idea of integrating these technologies with live performance produces a result otherwise unattainable. We know the robot isn’t human but we root for it as if it were.

Thanks to my good friend Gerry Pagano for making this possible using his virtuosic sampling recording during our Roads Less Traveled sessions.

Preview / Buy Book

I really like this interesting and well-disposed book. So many good thoughts, facts and tips on alto trombone. Good guidance for the searching alto souls out there. A must-have for the shelves.

– Håkan Björkman, Principal Trombone at Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

I highly recommend Alto Trombone Savvy for players around the world wanting advice on handling the alto trombone at the highest level. Classical and jazz players both share the same challenges, and it’s great to have this book in either bass or alto clef to help answer some of those challenges.

– Carsten Svanberg, International Trombone Soloist and Professor of Trombone at the University of Music and Arts Graz

For anyone interested in learning to play the alto trombone, whether for classical or jazz, this book is a must. Clearly written, with excellent exercises and links to audio examples, Michael Lake has provided the trombone world with a wonderful new resource.

– Ralph Sauer, Former Principal Trombone, Los Angeles Philharmonic

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