Re: [Harp-L] Toots preference for Eb & Bb

[Winslow Yerxa <winslowyerxa@xxxxxxxxx>]

You're not alone in that. The flat keys do play smoother due to fewer breath changes.

Db isn't such a big deal for horns. For a Bb tenor or clarinet or trumpet, it's Eb, while for Eb horns like alto or bari saxes, it's Bb - the two smoothest keys on C chrom :)

The sharp keys all have the same pattern of breaths as playing C major without the slide, just starting in a different palce and pressing in the sldie for some of the notes. The only same-breath transition is between A (or A#) and B (well, also B and draw C when you play in C or G).

 
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________________________________
 From: Rick Dempster <rick.dempster@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx; Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 4:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Toots preference for Eb & Bb
 
Maybe;
           But I think it's the possibility of a more legato style of playing that the flat keys on the chrom. afford. I bumble through (mostly) pre. WWII show tunes, and anything south of G (or D at a pinch)
leaves me spluttering for air. Then again, Db and F# are probably easier keys on the chrom. than on most brass or reed instruments. 
           Anyhow, if I have to play in B, E, or A, I'm going to be reaching for a B or C# instrument.
RD

>>> Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> 14/03/2012 20:40 >>>
I assume Toots likes those keys because he's a jazz musician who was massively influenced by (and worked with) sax players. Many jazz tunes are written in those keys as they lay out well on the sax.

Steve Baker
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www.european-music-workshops.com 
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