Jazz trombone | Gunhild Carling | TEDxArendal

Follow Gunhild on her journey trough the history of Jazz Trombones, and hear her mimic some of the iconic heroes of this instrument. This upbeat, fun and inspiring talk focuses on the instrument, as well as the history around it.
An old-school jazz artist of astonishing ability, Gunhild Carling combines her extraordinary talents on the trumpet and trombone with a healthy dose of vaudeville. Like all great entertainers, Gunhild is a triple threat: not only can she handle a range of instruments (banjo, bagpipes, trombone, and recorder), she can also sing and dance!
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@rescue270]

This is ten times harder than it looks. The trombone is the oldest and most primitive wind instrument in regular modern usage and it is very hard to play one as a soloing instrument alongside more modernized instruments like trumpets or saxophones. This woman is more than just gettin' down... ...she's very gifted and talented. It takes a specially gifted person to be able to play a trombone at this level. Her experience on the trumpet has really given her a stellar range on trombone.

[@dannoyes2327]

What a courageous talent!

[@BertyBloggs]

Yes - here's someone who understands!! Well said Rogers Hunter. You are so right! Brian T.

[@bennyemeredith3082]

Rogers Hunter h7

[@RandyDrayton]

The trombone is a brass instrument not wind

[@seanb6986]

Plus, its been around for only about 450 years, so while being the oldest modern instrument in an orchestra, many other variations of instruments made out of natural materials like plants and animals, such as the flute and drums, have existed for millennia

[@itsjdot9638]

Having just ONE real jazz person in there to hype her up would've changed the whole atmosphere

[@Themastermindscanvas]

There is someone towards the front row who was really into it & her body language was leaning towards them so I think it helped.

[@jasonmcenaney4257]

You get what you get and you don't pitch a fit. If you don't like the trombone, just sit there alone. Be kind, Muppet

[@kittenswarm]

Her clothes, her hair, the songs she plays are all inspired by a time that would of appreciated her. So much respect.

[@Bobba7438]

What an outstanding musician. So sad that people just do not understand how much time and practice it takes to make a musician such as this beautiful lady. God bless her!

[@geraldnichols2722]

I think maybe she doesn't need practice. There are people like that.

[@gwengwebgwen1832]

I’m a girl and I play (jazz) trombone, it’s really nice to see another woman playing jazz trombone as well. She’s amazing!!

[@Niamhmusicmusic]

Late but same meow its a wonderful feeling

[@EllaTheTroubleClef]

I love being a woman trombone 😁

[@chemist8897]

Playing like that standing still is hard enough. She is tap dancing and playing. Truly phenomenal!!!

[@musicaldrawing4808]

Chemist8897 yeah in jazz music trombones are mostly standing, but in solos all stand.

[@chemist8897]

l є N N Ɣ I wasn't referring to the standing. I'm referring to the difficulty of the music. You couple that with dancing and to that's extra challenging.

[@musicaldrawing4808]

Especially if you are playing a song which requires you to move.. In the mood for example, standing does help.

[@chemist8897]

I was referring to the difficulty of the music. Not standing vs sitting.

[@greenxdshadow6635]

Anna Arnold in the mood doesn't require you to move lol

[@adriandelgado8709]

That's probably one of the most clear trombone sounds i've ever heard in my life 💪🏽

[@wattong1]

The Audience didn't know the true genius/ virtuoso that was in front of them.

[@sugerbearnellie04]

The audience must be dead. They respond (don't respond) as if they have no idea how amazing she is on trombone...

[@jauch0]

They're Norwegians. For them, that's as enthusiastic as they get.

[@FinnBjerke]

Norwegians are like that.... Norgegian enthusiasm is found in the bottom of beer bottles not music, on the bright side: they have agreat sense of humour...

[@FinnBjerke]

OK Im a little harsh here.

[@belindanadela4203]

But of course they applauded & showed their appreciation!

[@Kassiusday]

Terri Hubble THEY DONT HAVE ANY RYTHM LEFT IN THEIR GENES ... ( left MOTHER AFRICA SINCE 50.000 years ..... , can’t recall it !!! Can’t feel any BEST AUDIENCE 🤔🙏🏾🙇🏾‍♂️IN 5 years/ joking she’s teasing them I guess !! ) SUPERB MUSICIAN !!!!!!

[@SadieAtCollege]

I'm a female trombone player and really enjoyed this! I'm only bitter that I have to learn tap dancing now...

[@vojtechpilar5809]

I'm a male trombone player and really enjoyed this, too

[@zacharypeterson5540]

does really matter what gender you are?

[@taylortingey6536]

Zachary Peterson when you look around at your section and notice you're the only chick playing a previously male dominated instrument, people like Miss Carling are really important to us.

[@vojtechpilar5809]

Very important to all of us individual independent women, indeed!

[@Cars2155]

lol feminists pounced

[@normanstringfield9246]

My fifteen year old granddaughter is a jazz trombonist. She has been asked to appear with Longenau Parsons on stage. I am very very proud of her

[@sugerbearnellie04]

I wish I could teach all of my students to play with this much FUN and enthusiasm! If we aren't having fun when we play, why do it? Great entertainer. Incredible player!

[@animeprincess98]

Really cool and had that old jazzy sound, but I wish the audience actually got into it

[@thinkerly1]

She is one of the world experts on jazz trombone in the first half of the Twentieth Century. Her patter is better in Swedish. But listen to her play like JC HIggenbotham. Check out the embouchure on Tommy Dorsey. This show was not a comedy gig. It was a master class in jazz trombone.

[@RandyDrayton]

She should have played for music students

[@geraldnichols2722]

@@thinkerly1 I noted that Gunhild used mouth vibrato on the Tommy Dorsey number. Dorsey used slide vibrato. That was her weakest number imo.

[@thinkerly1]

@@geraldnichols2722 Have you seen Gunhilld's TED talk? She gives a master class on trombone.

[@geraldnichols2722]

@@thinkerly1 Isn't this the TED?

[@4jeffinseattle]

It's sad that jazz has left the American scene and it takes Gunhild to bring it back.Wonderful performance.

[@squeezemyparticiple]

Jazz hasn't left the American scene at all, you just have to look in places you wouldn't expect.

[@gregoryhussey6477]

Postmodern Jukebox - Snarky Puppy (contemporary) - Mark Guiliana (avant garde) - still lots of great Jazz music being played and evolving as art in its birthplace - I envy America for that

[@davidapaulson2005]

Norway discoverd Jazz right after world war II. There are great Jazz bars all over Norway. It is a favorite form of music in Norway. Of course, music of all forms has been a big part of that wonderful culture, from choirs, bands, etc. Oslo now has one of the five best orchestras in the world.

[@waterdragon2012]

Have you been to New Orleans?

[@jeremywilliams5514]

Woefully uninformed take my guy

[@synopticdesigns7868]

Invaluable resource for trombone students, covering various styles and tones of the instrument in an entertaining manner. Did I mention tap dancing while playing the trombone?

[@jimpemberton]

She's simply a lovable and most talented woman. What a fun entertainer!

[@bowserfan1011]

I'm in love with her accent and how she talks.

[@carlenger9707]

It's a Swedish accent.

[@adriandelgado8709]

Her trombone sound is so beautiful.... really good sound

[@terryofford4977]

This Lady knows what she's talking about,an excellent Trombone player. Jim Ropbinson ismy favorite 'Bone player,thislady certainly knows her stuff. Magic. Thank you!

[@Leorstef]

Gunhild and family put on a wonderful show each Sunday on her KZbin channel.

[@Elchupanibres]

Gunhild is an A+ performer in all aspects possible

[@murphyw5462]

i’m a trombone player and THIS IS NOT EASY ESPECIALLY WHILE TAP DANCING

[@deadeyenumber2892]

Ooooh, she is getting down! I love that she is so expresiante and enjoying the instrument! I love my trombone and enjoy getting that feeling while playing. Just feeling it!

[@Baridan]

I've been fascinated w/ Gunhid's playing for several yrs. now. Catch her on KZbin when she was playing this stuff at 12 yrs. old!!

[@CashlessCaptures]

Have to admit I was hesitant to watch this as I've never heard of her but was pleasantly surprised. Super cozy on the horn!

[@oldcremona]

So glad you discovered the magic of Gunhild!

[@allwinds3786]

oldcremona she is truly amazing and fun!

[@melcard123]

CashlessCaptures c😘😘

[@luizcadete]

CashlessCaptures

[@algorithm6291]

CashlessProductions she is so awesome can do the lot, dance , sing, play, the lot. A supremely gifted artist and her family

[@mas8171]

I know this was several years ago so I’m late to the video...but I found this by accident to show my soon-to-be Trombonist 10yr old daughter who chose the trombone for band. I thought she’d appreciate a little motivation - needless to say, this performance was absolutely astounding and we were both spellbound!! Afterwards, Chloe said, “Dad, I can’t wait!”

[@danielmescalante3042]

Her first demonstration was absolutely mesmerizing. I love you 😍😍😍

[@terrywestbrook-lienert2296]

Gunhild is an astonishing talent. I admire her and her musical family. 🎹🎤💜

[@sinbad13]

This is now one of my favorite Bone players. She was covering some hard and funky - soul - jazz styles. I love her style and energy

[@geraldnichols2722]

Astonishng! And without accompaniment. Remarkable that she doesn't use hand vibrato, only mouth, even on Tommy's Getting Sentimental. The Trummy Young was fabulous! Few trombonists could put on such a one man show!

[@geraldnichols2722]

I forgot I wrote that 3 years ago!

[@tboneholt]

Looks like harmonica throat vibrato to me and I’m sure Tommy is spinning in his grave at the comparison. That said she is WONDERFUL!

[@27boof]

Wow, such joy in her playing & what a GREAT groove she has! I was lucky to play with her a couple of times when she came to NYC - she used to like coming & sitting in with a band that I used to be in a few years ago. Far out, she's GREAT! :D

[@nicolasroqe]

Wow!! i cant imagine how awesome would be to play music with her!! And i guess you sound as awesome as her or more!!

[@davidscollings8835]

As a trombonist myself, I'm amazed at her style variety and energy in performance. What a treat U Tube is for listening and learning. I wish this had been available when I was much younger.

[@arunabhatapadar]

Incredible performance, really difficult .. awesome lung power & music sense!

[@geraldnichols2722]

I am curious if the Carlings read music or not?

[@chancekelly274]

I love this, but I guess a lot of people don't appreciate jazz music as much as they used to.

[@mrjimmienoone2130]

Well, a lot more people eat hamburgers than caviar.

[@natex9156]

MrJimmienoone Jazz isn't the music for rich people. It was created by the poor, especially the blacks, because they were oppressed by the rich :P

[@bryanvadhin8017]

Its sad how so many people of my generation don't know big names in music like the Beejees or Frank Sinatra, and it just seems like Jazz is dying. Don't understand how many people hate jazz because most modern music has many aspects incorporated from jazz (except mumble rap, that is a joke of music)

[@dnwiebe]

I'm a musician myself, but I'm not a fan of any but the softest, most popularized jazz, because I need my chords to have some function in the progression other than just, "He'll never expect this!"

[@theblocks3573]

I love jazzy music

[@charlesdelajungle9473]

She's a genius... no doubt... thanks for guiding us.

[@johndoe1765]

THE MUSIC SHE IS PLAYING IS NOT EASY I JUST WISH SHE DID NOT HAVE TO PLAY TO AN AUDIENCE OF DEAD FISH.

[@geraldnichols2722]

Gunhilda is an incredible prodigy, and that is coming from an 87-year-old trombonist. She must have lungs of iron plus a genius-level musical talent. I doubt she ever took a lesson anywhere but just picked it up and played it.

[@geraldnichols2722]

I forgot to mention how difficult it has to be to produce all that with no accompaniment.

[@lpres5419]

God THIS. As a retired performer that was amazing, especially in front of an audience that was essentially non-responsive! However the audience did that... is so embarrassing for the human race

[@oldiowan]

"DEAD FISH" IMHO is being veeeeeery kind!!!!

[@CB-dq9td]

Great. Thanks a lot Gunhild

[@primaltone]

Gunhild has "It". I don't even know exactly what "It" is. I just know I love her for "It".

[@marcianomonteiro7843]

Every time I hear their melodies, I fall in love with jazz music.Thank you !

[@mezalos]

A wind instrument while dancing? Amazing!

[@dustbowlrelics]

You truly are amazing Gunhild! Thank you😄

[@markkubiak8296]

I love Gunhild's energy and enthusiasm. Her talent seems boundless!!

[@oldcremona]

OH MY GOD This is music perfection. I will watch this over and over

[@daniellanglois89]

Incredible!!! OH MY GOD, wow!!!

[@DaveLaneNZ]

She is seriously a hero. So brave to do that by herself.

[@cvmostert]

Totally in love with this woman and her talents!

[@macance]

I'm inspired to practice now...

[@nicolasroqe]

YES!! Go practice your music, study your sheets, this is what i love about this woman!! Inspiring other musicians too!!

[@tcperez8769]

Remember to practice 40 hours a day

[@mikemoore1412]

I applaud this wonderful musician for memorializing so skillfully the greatest jazz trombonists - Trummy Young and Fred Assunto (Dukes of Dixieland - died at early age) are my two favorite players. Thank you so much Ms. Carling. You are an exceptional musician.

[@Vaalx_]

I can't even stand while playing my trombone. And I'm in a jazz band and I nearly die every after performance

[@exzaviorw]

Notera The First i commonly solo for my band (almost every song) and the pressure is real when everyones listining to you and you stand in your seat and make somthing up and hopeit fits toghetjer like it did in your head

[@nicolasroqe]

I thinks this woman is a great example for yous jazz players!! To embrace the joy she has (and im completely sure you show so much joy when playing your instrument live) when she plays! Keep that jazz joy you two! Im sure you sound awesome as well!! Much love

[@josh9395]

I personally think soloing is the most fun part of a chart

[@laurelcook9078]

Vaal I couldn’t move my arm with my violin - it turns out I have bad scoliosis and I pinch nerves if I lean like that.

[@Cccoast]

Gunhild can literally play a whole band… so happy to see her TEDX

[@devrimakinci2615]

She is a pure talent. Definite and absolute. That's it.

[@kickbiker7920]

Absolutely Astounding. She's brilliant!

[@pablovasquezloayza]

Esto si es música carjo, no los adefesios que se escuchan ahora . VIVA EL JAZZ POR SIEMPRE.

[@virianbouze6433]

This woman is unbelievalbly good!

[@douglasmayhew2487]

I love how she plays the trombone

[@njuguna-mtalii]

She plays from the heart.

[@oldcremona]

I LOVE HER SOOOO MUCH

[@ginogalimberti2847]

Fare the best trombone I've ever heard! Phenomenal... Awesome... Gorgeous... Nothing good enough to describe this outstanding virtuoso!

[@PaulMcAuliffe1954]

So much joy in her music. Absolutely wonderful. Thanks!

[@LisaLizTrombone]

She is AMAZING 😍A great role model for female (and all) trombonists!

[@geraldnichols2722]

After hearing Gunhild, all I say is "I have a trombone." Her talent goes into a heretofore unexplored range imo.

[@lizdebono9133]

Gunhild, please come to Melbourne, Australia. We need you here. You are truly amazing and an inspiration!!!

[@edwardcasey6816]

Trombone is one of the coolest, smoothest, best-sounding instruments ever invented. But I'm biased ;) Edit: but jeez, what is with this audience? She's incredible and they're just sitting there dead.

[@eamartig]

Edward Casey they don’t have a clue how to act with jazz.

[@silviatufan2869]

My guess would be that many of them are shy, reserved Scandinavians who don't often exteriorize crazy much in public.

[@yaboi-km2qn]

its a lecture not a concert, what would you have them do?

[@stephenplante2273]

They honestly didn't sound dead at all, they are reacting the way you would expect from classical or jazz concert due to the nature of the audience and music being more sophisticated, unlike like a rock concert where you would hear people shouting woo and yelling.

[@BusterKitten]

you should see her after she's had a couple cups of coffee!!! Love you Gunhild!!!!

[@eleazaranku6437]

I love her play

[@AlkebulanLion67]

Lucille Ball with a trombone. Love it!

[@yowzephyr]

I was thinking Mae West with a trombone.

[@dolorespallares2735]

She is amazing talented and skilfull. What a performance spirit she radiates. Thank you.

[@carsonwade4160]

the fact that she can tap dance and play the trombone at the same time is amazing

[@THall-vi8cp]

I never thought I'd ever hear an accurate depiction of Louis Armstrong's style on trombone. Add to that everything else she can do, and wow!

[@davidbento9459]

Gunhild Carling... Jack Teargarden is from Texas doing Dorsey is easy but to play Teagarden is a challenge you did fabulous, I knew Jack as a kid!... She is amazing the king of the T-bone Is Jack Teagarden one of a kind! ,, She is great I must add! She has great armature! If you ever come to Hawaii lets jam! I knew Trummy Young also used to play at the Sheraton here in Waikiki.

[@user-rj9ud1xv7r]

Its these types of videos that make me happy for choosing to learn how to play a trombone.

[@sidneyharris3686]

Gunhilde brought the living dead to life. What a performer!

[@marekspot9314]

Breathe, Gunhild! I´ve played trumpet and I had a hard time just to play. I couldn´t do anything else at the same time. Gunhild manages to tap dance and speak. Wow.

[@saxjunkieloops2525]

i'm in love with her

[@bunkyman8097]

This woman is a genius! I can't get enough

[@violinoscar]

Trombone is not my favorite instrument but this lady brings it too life. One of the things I dislike about the trombone is that it cannot play a good, smooth legato (unless the notes are close together or connected by a slide). This is why so few musicians can play good bebop on this horn. This wonderful lady seems to have overcome this limitation of the instrument, and playing with good swing and passion. Why she is not a major jazz star I don't know. But then again maybe she is; just look at the size of that audience. This is a rock concert sized gig and to take it on without a rhythm section is very brave.

[@tedwilsonjr]

I get your point, because moving the slide a great distance, as you have to do in the low middle register, makes playing anything at 200 or faster a bit tough. But from, say, top line Ab up, almost any succession of notes can be played as smoothly as any brass instrument. Check out Carl Fontana, Bill Watrous, Phil Wilson (There's a great duet here on KZbin between Fontana and Wilson), or any of a host of others who are very smooth and accurate.

[@tedwilsonjr]

Or, among the current crop, Bob McChesney, Andy Martin, Barry Green.

[@rescue270]

Hardtop Harry It's not that the horn is limited- in fact a valved instrument is more limited than a slide horn. It is more difficult to achieve a smooth legato on slide because the tongue or throat must be used to interrupt the airflow at every note, whereas a valved instrument's valve action does this automatically,. Conversely, the speed of the instrument is limited to the action of the valves. It takes a good player to be able to play a good legato on the trombone and there a good many who can do it. As a trombonist myself, I do know the choppy sound you are talking about and it does annoy me. I am far, far from being anywhere near as masterful as this lady but I have managed to learn how to play legato and I think that more trombonists should be aware of this. It makes an otherwise great player kinda fall flat.

[@edwardcasey6816]

It absolutely *can* play a smooth legato, but you are required to use your emboucher to gently separate the notes instead of the steady stream you can use on a valved instrument.

[@ata_5208]

Edward Casey that’s not quite accurate. Trombonists use natural slurs and legato tongue for their legato playing, never the embouchure to give notes definition. It’s not that trombone can’t play legato as well as valved instruments, it’s just that it’s significantly more difficult to play legato well on trombone. You need just as steady an airflow on trombone as you would on trumpet or euphonium, but also need to be able to quickly and accurately move the slide large distances in time.

[@GaiaMiranda]

This woman should be a superstar she is an incredible Force in music!

[@MrBuckre]

She is a godmother of jazz.

[@nctradtrombone]

Simply magnificent, I know how difficult and tiring it is to play alone ... but really alone.

[@matthewbassett3644]

That is real 1920's New Orleans Jazz. Sachmo would be proud. Big band sound with one horn. Amazing show using only one trombone.

[@thinkerly1]

A whole show? with just trombone? But -- that's impossible.

[@matthewbassett3644]

Yes, my Russian friend. But then again, with tap as percussion, it works. As long as you are a 1920s New Orlean's jazz fan. My dad only liked straight up be bop.

[@jerseyjunior]

i cant believe she had that much energy! if i were her manager i would have her talk a little more about the trombone in the beginning. her fast pace made me tired but i guess she was trying to fit it all in! bravo!

[@alhines7030]

You are great! I’m 76 and have tried improv. To solo with a bone in a crowd is exceptionally bold but you have it.

[@Drixidamus]

I think I am in love.

[@salsatangolux]

So talented! Be it singing, trombone or tap! Amazing!

[@ufxpnv]

Gunhild plays the recorder, trumpet, piano, harp, bagpipes and trombone. I've heard her play three trumpets simultaneously producing three different notes. Those are the instruments I've seen her play there may be more.

[@michaelbush2835]

The best TED ever, even if they didn't get it.

[@madorlando]

It's beautiful to see such passion and talent

[@tobechukwuigboanugo6888]

Wow! She's so amazing... playing and dancing.

[@Shintaro99]

I watched a lot Gunhild Carling's videos on KZbin and there are many more I have seen seen yet on her page. I have never seen one person that can do so many things so well before in music. I got to she her doing a very short show at 'The Women Of Jazz' show at the collage here. The energy of the show was intense to say the least! I'm a fan for life now.. She tours a lot, go see her, it will blow your mind!

[@GregChen]

no way, playing and taping for rythm at the same time. Goddess.

[@orderlyorangeloser3535]

I play the trombone and love jazz and at first I thought huge rolls in jazz were stolen by trumpets and saxophones but after watching this I now have hope

[@jeffcraven7376]

Beautiful playing! Especially enjoyed her Kid Ory, Trummy Young, and Tricky Sam styles. I give Gunhild 5 Stars!

[@bridgetdurell8730]

First met her when she was about 12 and playing in the Carling family band. He father told us that he taught all of his kids to play the Oboe, after learning that everything else is easy apparently. In those days her brother was 8 and played drums...

[@getamitg]

What mastery.. lovely !

[@markjohnson1260]

Really outstanding talent, that's great !

[@rockinredneck57]

She also plays jazz bagpipes. Seriously. Check her out with PMJ playing and singing "Happy"

[@mikelang9869]

Bravo! Both of my kids play jazz trombone (one at college, one in high school). I suspect this video will inspire both of them (as it did me), especially my high school daughter!

[@boand6129]

Thank's for this great time...

[@estebanvenegas89]

She is so talented and good sounding! i play sax but i really like trombones too hope some day i can learn this beautiful instrument :)

[@GoldenShaolinNutz]

WOW! Bravo BOSS LADY!

[@philipcramer940]

Gunhild is just Amazing

[@dembydish]

Just acquired a trombone, think I might sell it now! Looking for a triangle.

[@joshbenz7070]

Why

[@eamartig]

JJBENZIE LOL wooosh

[@geraldnichols2722]

denbydish- LOL. You and I both LOL!

[@LisaGelhaus]

Amazing performer, so generous, talented, energetic and entertaining!!

[@nikkif2741]

My son just joined 6th grade band and I can't wait for him to watch this....So soulful!!