Josh Shpak | 2012 YoungARTS Jazz Trumpet Award Winner | "Straight No Chaser", "Easy Living", "Solar"

[@alanpearson7554]

Clicked like after about 3 seconds of the intro - fantastic

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks so much for your very kind words. If I recall, I probably practiced about 30-45 minutes a day in middle school, and then once high school started and I got more serious, I went up to an hour per day during my freshman year, and then over the years gradually increased to 3-4 hours per day during my senior year. If your son is passionate about playing, he'll learn to enjoy practicing. If the passion for playing doesn't kick in, then that probably means he's meant to do something else. :)

[@paddyoski]

You don't need a bio nor a resume. Your playing speaks for itself. Awesome.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks for writing. My mentor/godfather, Michael Miller, has known Clark Terry for years, and he is the one who introduced me to Clark, for which I'm forever grateful!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks for writing. In high school, I focused mainly on jazz, but also put time toward classical, as it really helps keep one's tonguing and clarity in shape. The main thing, of course, is to practice as much as humanly possible, and to start preparing your audition materials MONTHS ahead of time. I hope this helps!!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks very nice of you to say... :)

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Wow, thank you so much. Best to you :)

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Wow, that's some beautifully motivating feedback you just posted. Thanks so much man!

[@MarkCavy]

From one jazz trumpet player to another, this was awesome. Best of luck brother.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks so much!

[@joedown962]

SOOOOO great from a so young performer!!! I'm 50and playtrumpet foronlya year. If I wasn't motivated I would stop it right now!!! ;o)

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

So have you!!!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks for your kind words and question! From my own experience, the Carolbrass flugels are made so well that if you find a used one in good condition, it should be just fine. Of course, it's probably good to have the valve alignment and compression checked by a brass repairman, but I'd be surprised if there would be any problems. Hope that helps!!

[@SportsPro123]

And I thought I was good.... you should be incredibly proud of yourself man... your playing is beyond incredible from one horn player to another. If I wasn't watching, just listening, it wouldn't be differentiable to me whether a pro was playing this or not. It's clear, too, how much you love playing just from watching, and there's nothing better than seeing that. Keep it up man.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thank you...lots of work still to do, but thank you...

[@peytonjmusic]

Easy Living was so sweet bro!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks so much for your wonderful message... :)

[@FatsacksAllday]

This kid swings so hard! great job man! LETS JAM PLEASE!!

[@CarlyWaarly]

Amazing that you get such a mellow tone out of a trumpet!

[@nathanjackson3730]

Just wanna note his awesome usage of the plunger mute in the beginning, such finesse. Amazing job dude! I love being inspired by all your old videos, since I’m aspiring to be a professional musician after high school....also, that kind of smoky tone at the end you have is something I’m working on replicating now, cause it sounds so good!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Nathan Jackson Hey, Nathan, thanks so much for all of your wonderful words and for making me realize that these old videos still have some value! 😀 Regarding my plunger use, I learned so much of that from all of the years that I was fortunate to spend with Clark Terry - the ultimate master! Anyway, your message is much appreciated, and I wish you well on your own trumpeting journey. And if my band, RIPE, is ever playing near you, please come say hi!

[@nathanjackson3730]

bigeyezzzzzzz heck yeah man, I’d love to hear you irl. And man....Clarke Terry 😅 amazing dude, I’m glad you got to have such great opportunities in life 👍🏾

[@hombrequemiralaluna]

You, my friend, are one bad ass trumpet player. I'll be listening.

[@hombrequemiralaluna]

You rock all the songs, but your "Easy Living" is fantastic. I love the humility with which your finish it, taking your time to find the right note...you remind me of Art Farmer at the flugelhorn.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Wow, thank you so much! What a compliment...

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Wow....that's quite a compliment....but I've got a lot of work to do before I can come close to Art Farmer!!! :)

[@jambajoby32]

there we go, THIS is a great section backing you!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@RichardsMattSax Thank you so much, Matt! And I know you are the one who my friend, Clark Terry, made a surprise call to earlier this year...and he still talks about you! Enjoy your lessons with Mary Fettig...she's so great!! And, thank you again for writing!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks very much... :)

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Well, thank you!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Well, thank you, and that's really cool that you've just started playing and love it so much. Although I know I have a whole lot of work ahead of me, it's the love of music that keeps me trying to get better every day. Besides whatever daily performing I'm doing, I try to practice 3-4 hours each day. Here's wishing you much continued enjoyment ahead.

[@djngar]

Was randomly looking up trumpet and hey it's fernie on drums!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

The trumpet is a Yamaha Shew 8310Z model, and the flugel is a CarolBrass CFL-6200-GSS(SLB). Good recognition of the Miyashiro mouthpiece! It's a "1S", by the way.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@tpthash1029 Thanks so much for the compliment! I couldn't go to JEN this year, because it took place at the same time as I was preparing for YoungArts Week. But, maybe next year. Thanks again for writing.

[@57dogsbody]

FUCKING AWESOME..........Esp. on Easy Living, you blow me away....TOO MUCH :Love it!!!!!!

[@peacelover639]

lovely..... god bless u.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

My trumpet is an 8310Z, and my flugel is a CarolBrass CFL-6200-GSS (SLB). From your messages, I'm not sure if you're looking for a trumpet or a flugel. In any case, the USA distributor is Doug Teeter, he's up in Fresno, he's a great guy, and I believe he is happy sending out horns on a trial basis.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks so much! I've really appreciated your comments. Do you play trumpet as well?

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@JazzTrumpetFan Clark Terry, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Woody Shaw, Bobby Shew, Christian Scott, Wynton Marsalis, Paolo Fresu, Louis Armstrong, Roy Hargrove, Arve Henriksen, and many others!!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Wow! Thank you!!!

[@MrDr143]

thnx i just spoke with dougg tetter we made an appointment in fontana at the california music supply so i will try one in the next month or so

[@oaklandtobangkok]

You're on your way homes. There's no turning back now. Bright future, bright moments.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thank you... :)

[@RichardsMattSax]

This is awesome! I live in Walnut Creek, not going to Northgate, but I've seen you perform with Northgate at some jazz festivals. I know you're at Berklee now. I also recognized you playing "Easy Living" on another video of yours and I liked it much more in this video. I'm waiting for that future album on Itunes I can buy :)

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@Stryke2wice I am LOVING it!!

[@CaptainQueue]

Stunning musical ideas and range of colors. Man, you deliver. Everyone check out all the different ideas and full use of the trumpet from 9:00 on. Magnificent, young man. SALUTE.

[@gilbertoanell2901]

So nice! You’re awesome! I’m a mexican trumpet player and I love jazz. Congratulations! I really enjoy your playing and hope to hear you a lot more!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thank you very much for your kind message!! I really appreciate your interest, and I hope trumpeting is going well for you!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

You are right about that!!!

[@ZoeRoseHamilton]

I live for listening to this. You play like a natural, how beautiful! You are gifted!

[@TheIzzysteve]

You are very welcome. I mean every word of it.

[@robertavetisyan8282]

awesome

[@KWontheTube]

I'm no trumpet player, but it sounded really good to me! Shout out to that piano player though; he had some nice riffs!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

I only just saw your comment from three years ago! Thank you so much for all of your kind words from back then, and in case you'd like to look further into the piano player, his name is Chase Morrin!

[@malisong9632]

Love your play on especially the Flugel. Most wonderful. I'll watch your career more closely. You are a really great Talent! And, the Combo .... You Play so wonderful and balanced together. Hope there is more to come !!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

I apologize for not seeing your comment till now. Thank you so much for all of your positivity. If you want to see some recent videos, there are several online. All the best to you :-)

[@waynecolburn8849]

I am now a big fan. Your one of my favorite trumpet players. I just discovered you recently. Your music always sounds fresh and new. I hope I can hear you live one day soon. I heard blue Michelle live and Freddy Hubbard live. Now I got to hear your great playing too.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Wayne Colburn Wow, thanks so much! How cool it must've been to hear Freddie and Blue live!

[@HJWins]

Thats amazing! Hes so good and has so much knowledge i feel like i could get better by just shaking his hand haha

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Hey, thanks so much! I love my CarolBrass flugel...I have never played another flugel that sounds or plays as well. And the workmanship is incredible too. Do you have somewhere near to you that you can try one? If not, let me know and I can put you in touch with the US distributor. Anyway...thanks again for your kind words, and now I'll get back to practicing!

[@NatU8991]

SOOOOOOOOOO GREAT!!! You've made my week... ♥

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@Memorexman123 well, thanks...and yes, practice is such an important element (3-4 hours per day through high school and now). I think I started playing jazz in 7th grade (about 7 years ago).

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@xoRichtone Yes, it is a continually evolving situation!!

[@staceando98]

You are goals.

[@MrDr143]

wow man wowww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that was amazing. i would buy ur cd. i was wondering how u like your carol brass cuz i am looking into the same one. nice job, evan

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@RichardsMattSax And you SHOULD!!!

[@jaredmaranon7528]

Holy crap! Dude you are a freaking pro! I am not even a trumpeter (my brother is) but this is freaking amazing. I just wanted to know, when you were going through high school were you still focusing on concert and classical, or did you just focus only on jazz? Idk what I want to do because I really like jazz and work on it daily but Idk if need to be practicing concert. Btw, i play alto and tenor and I was wondering if you had any suggestions. It is my goal now to be able to make it in to jboa.

[@jph886]

wonderful lyrical playing, definitely can hear clark in there!

[@dillimeinbilli]

Great job man. Good luck to ya.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thank you!

[@horbergus]

Yeah I do, I have only played for about a year tho, and i'm 20 now, so I could only dream of becoming as good as you, still love it. How much do you normally practice?

[@aldinsobari]

awsome....

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks!

[@ventus627]

you remind me of Clifford Brown! love your sound:)

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Many thanks!

[@leehilborn8118]

Dude, you shred. Very rad.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

+Lee Hilborn Thank you so much! :)

[@TheIzzysteve]

I would kill to play in a combo with you... Just one tune would make my entire life.

[@joedown962]

I know you'e a Carolbrass endorser.One question: I can get a 620R flugel in lacquer finish for a fair price( +/- $700.00 ), but on the other side I can get the latest model for $500 more....what do you think? I'm tempted by the used one as it fits better with my budget. There's no damage but some light wear here and there.Thanks for advice and hands down to you talent!! ;o)

[@monkeyonfirered3452]

hey im really wondering how you improvise so well what do u do? so amazing how you play!

[@horbergus]

Your sound really warms you from inside, great fucking playing

[@johncoltrane5584]

What a blue😍

[@nicolasrossi5978]

Wow! There is a warmth and richness there that belies your years guys Bravo.. My only criticism was that the piano player (and he was excellent make no mistake!) seemed to rush things a little at times when he could/should lay back a little behind the brushes on the snare and the end vibrations on the stand up strings. Almost like a resonant echo if that makes sense(?) your'e not in competition with the trumpet to get to the next bar, your the magic carpet that takes him there. I don't play piano, but understated ,though nuanced, in a quartet plays so much richer. Again the piano was excellent, just making an observation. Overall quite tight and delectable!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

It was fun to look back on this audition from 7 years ago, and I really appreciate you taking the time to send your thoughtful insights!

[@alexandrmuranevych9077]

чем больше слушаю тем больше нравится.стандарты у него получаются очень свежими .спасибо.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Я очень ценю все ваши самые добрые послания. Спасибо огромное!

[@alexandrmuranevych9077]

спасибо.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Вы впечатлены тем, насколько хорошо я говорю по-русски? !!?

[@alexandrmuranevych9077]

очень впечатлён.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Хорошо, вы можете поблагодарить «Переводчик Google»! :)

[@HJWins]

How did you get in touch with clark terry? I can really hear him in your playing.

[@RichardsMattSax]

@bigeyezzzzzzz Speaking of Clark Terry, I was thinking of sending him my audition CD that I recorded for Downbeat.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

@Memorexman123 For about 9 years.

[@Memorexman123]

@bigeyezzzzzzz wow must have practiced a lot. Were you playing jazz from the start?

[@LilyWu-17]

jazz is not my style. but i still love to listen~~~ just for trumpet :))))

[@JazzTrumpetFan]

who are your biggest influences?

[@MrDr143]

unfortunately no. i live around anehiem california. my trumpet teachers such as kye palmer, kevin richardson, and wayne bergeron have no played one and cant give me feedback. im debating between the yamaha 8310z or this carol

[@KazTrumpet]

What kind of trumpet do you play? I recognize the Eric Miyashiro model mouthpiece.

[@DC-xq3pv]

Attn: High school students! Instrumentalists & vocalists can apply for GRAMMY Camp - Jazz Session that takes place Jan 30 - Feb 9, 2015 in LA. All expenses paid, including a ticket to the GRAMMYs Deadline to apply is Oct 22.www.grammyintheschools.com/programs/grammy-camp-jazz-session/apply

[@boomer14yo]

That cat on the keys is beast!

[@principaltrpt]

Big fan! Clean lines and your tone holds even through grusome heads and solos. By chance, what mic are you using for this recording? Keep it up!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks so much for your very kind words! The mic is a Neumann U67 owned and operated by my mentor/producer, Michael Miller. It's a beautiful vintage mic from back in the 60's, and I'm fortunate to be able to record with it!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

It might be too far for you, but I just spoke with the USA CarolBrass distributor, Doug Teeter, and he said they have a dealer in Fontana. It's called California Music Supply, and the owner is Don Rugg. If you want to talk with Doug Teeter directly, his numbers are 1-559-436-5247 and 1-559 301-0858.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

That "cat" is Chase Morrin!

[@이보형-x6l]

GREAT!!! SO NICE GUY.. I have a question. When you play very fast phrase, DO you toungue every notes?? Or, play in slur??

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

I'm so sorry for not seeing your question till now! In this video that I made several years ago, I was slurring the fast lines. But now when I do that sort of thing, it's doodle-tonguing, which is something Clark Terry taught me.

[@nathanforrest9437]

Please describe the recording equipment you have to make all those great sounds. I want to record myself better, and it's hard when you don't know what you need.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Hi there, thanks for writing and thanks for your kind words. My mentor/producer, Michael Miller, records all of my music for me, and the process would be much too complicated to go into in a message here, but briefly, for a live recording, all of the instruments are recorded in ProTools, and the microphone I use for my trumpet or flugel is a Neumann U67, which is Michael's amazing vintage microphone from 1966. For recordings that I'm overdubbing to a playalong track,, the track is imported into ProTools, and then I record my trumpet part using the U67. By the way, I used that same microphone for my latest album, ASTATIC, which you can hear on Spotify or on my website - www.joshshpak.com. Well, I hope that helps you, and if you have other questions, just let me know :-)

[@Stryke2wice]

How are you liking Berklee?

[@kelvinbaker9128]

Hello, I too have been playing trumpet for a long time and hope to go to Berklee once I graduate. How did you get to this point? What did you mainly practice to achieve such great tone and range? Thanks! Also any tips on improv?

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks for your nice comment, and to answer your question about tone, practicing long tones while imagining the center of each note helps a lot. Range comes in different ways for different people, and it would be hard for me to suggest anything without knowing your playing. As for improv, the best thing is to listen, listen, listen to the greats, and then use your ear to transcribe and play their solos...and then look at how their note choices fit into the chord changes. Most importantly, always know that more work needs to be done. This video is now 3 years old, and I still have a LONG way to go...and I imagine I always will. Wishing you good results ahead...

[@alekgutierrez7976]

Wow man your really good. What are some good practice techniques? I taught myself trumpet and really don't know anything musically like notes and stuff. I just play notes as the valve numbers like 1-2-3. Any tips would be great! I get your busy so no worries if you don't reply

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Alek Gutierrez Wow, I almost forgot about this old video! Thanks for your kind words. It's impressive that you taught yourself but it would be good to get a good trumpet technique book, like the Arban's Method. There are also lots of good trumpet lesson videos on KZbin, or, alternatively, I teach over Skype. Details are on my website www.joshshpak.com. But, again, there are lots of videos online to give you the basics. Hope that helps!

[@alekgutierrez7976]

Thank you!

[@Memorexman123]

how long have you been playing?

[@corneliocapronidelatesta5094]

What kind of jazz is this ? and how much time playing trumpet ?

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

When this video was made three years ago, I had been playing for 9 years. As to what "kind" of jazz it is, well, I guess it's a mix of blues, a ballad and some uptempo jazz :)

[@massmanute]

You play great on trumpet and flugelhorn. Just curious, do you do an pieces on cornet?

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks so much for your message and kind words. I really have not played cornet other then briefly picking one up once or twice and playing a few notes.

[@malisong9632]

Ralph Rainer's hit .... Can't stop listen again and again ... Guess, you should play the Flugel as YOUR main Instrument. I know, it's harder and more tired than the trumpet. But you are really talented and there are not much high-end Flugel player our there in the scene. I think, even Roy H. would recommend so.

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Wow, thank you. Even tho this video is 3 years old now, I've still got lotsa work to do, but it's great hearing such encouraging words.

[@malisong9632]

SRV1 Only in the lower, smooth registers. For that, you might be right. Beyond g'' the trumpet is definetly the easier one to choose.

[@malisong9632]

SRV1 Thank you for your information. Indeed, a certain embouchure is the most important (pre-)condition while playing ANY wind-, or brass-Instrument. That's for shure. The adequate mouthpiece is another thing, as well as practice, practice, ... [I just bought myself a Y.-14F4-GP Flugel-MP. And, yep, I achieved a substantial upgrate as well in pitch range and sound. But, it came with forced re-adjustments in embouchure, Nothing comes easy ... ;-? ] I heard James Morrision playing on a trumpet without mouthpiece, and that multi-instrumentalist and -at least for me- jazz brass-wizard could play quite all right though. And, besides a "useful machine" (whatever that might be ;-$), in the end, it's -and as always- a question of individual skills and ... I guess, perhaps, as well a question of (pre-)disposition(??). Anyway, I'll think about your references. And thank's again for your input. Much appreciated! ;-) Wish you all the best and have great fun with your playings. - Any KZbin sound to catch up from you?

[@darylbailey6339]

This may sound weird... but where did you get your plunger from lol

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Sorry for not seeing your comment sooner. The plunger came from Ace Hardware, of all places!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Hmmm.... ;)

[@deejazztrumpet]

You got a real nice tone n the Clark Terry inflections show in your playing but I here more of your own style....never put that horn down

[@bobmartin6200]

the bell on that thang looks biggern ur head, but....i like it ;)

[@sydpotter]

Great playing, love your sound...just one suggestion: get rid of the breathy fall-offs on the end of phrases. One or two at the most is a solo but you tend to overuse this stylization and it becomes distracting!

[@bigeyezzzzzzz]

Thanks for your kind and right-on feedback :)

[@TheJMusicNow]

Ever wonder what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? Put Josh Shpak and Enrique Sanchez in the same band and we'll find out.