|
|
|
Firebird
|
|
|
The Firebird trumpet is a unique combination of a trumpet and trombone, invented by Maynard Ferguson in the 1970's. It features the normal 3 valves you find on a standard trumpet, plus a ½-length trombone slide. Therefore, although one can play all 12 notes using the valves, only ½ of all the notes can be played using just the slide. The player needs to use the valves and slide in conjunction. As of 2000, Maynard developed a Firebird with a full-length slide, but there's only one of these ... and Maynard owns it.
Satish is the only known Firebird player in New York City, and the way he uses this instrument takes full advantage of all its potential ... to an even greater degree than Maynard ever envisioned. Using the Firebird, Satish can play very accurate Indian gamakams, or ornaments, including shakes, slides, and unconventional tuning.
|
|
|
