Customer Reviews

The Legacy

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Rafael Mendez was the first true trumpet virtuoso I listened to as a kid when I was starting out studying trumpet some 45 years ago. I was amazed by his brilliant technique and blinding speed and articulation, captivated by his rich, buttery, full tone. This album, uniquely among "Master Class" type demonstrations, gives specific examples of how to develop these basic tools of high level trumpet technique and brings to brilliant realization the etudes and exercises of Arban's classic trumpet method. This album may not be for the casual listener seeking thrilling examples of virtuoso trumpet, but it is for anyone who will appreciate a look at how a master develops and displays his craft. And it is tantamount to required listening for the wannabe master at any stage in his or her development, allowing fantasy while listening to the epitome of how a virtuoso does it, as well as providing a model for how to become a virtuoso.

What a wonderful tribute album to such a wonderful trumpeter. Mendez was one of the best and this album commerates his legacy as well as any. This album, narrated by the great Doc Severinsen, includes a lot of Mendez's amazing trumpet works such as "Samba Gitana", "Tico Tico", "Yuba", "Mexican Hat Dance" (unfortunately only an excerpt), "I Know That You Know", a funny little tune called "The Woodchuck", and more. Not to mention wonderful words on Mendez from the greats such as Doc Severinsen (of course), Allen Vizzutti, Roger Voisin, Bud Herseth, Vince DiMartino, Bobby Shew, Malcolm McNabb, David Hickman and many others. Also, there are excerpts from Mendez master classes which are a joy to hear and also some bits and pieces from interviews with him. Any trumpet player or Mendez fan will treasure this album. Also, check out The Trumpet Magic Of Rafael Mendez, with a lot more of his greatest works.

IT DELVED INTO, RAPHAELS HISTORY ON, THE TRUMPET!! HIS NAME BECAME FAMOUS AS, A GREAT ARTIST!! MY HUSBAND INTRODUCED ME TO HIS MUSIC IN, 1962!! I HAVE ENJOYED IT EVERY SINCE THEN!!! IT STILL, AMAZES ME THAT HE AN PLAY THE "FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLE BEE" FOR OVER 4 MINUTES AND, YOU CAN`T, HEAR HIM TAKE A BREATH!!

50 YEARS!! O M G!! HOW, TIME FLYS!!!

If only I could play like this guy.

Practice and practice and practice.

No matter how much I practice, no matter how much I try, no matter how much I want.

I will never play like Rafael Mendez.

It took me 10 years of not playing my horn to realize that while I may never play as well Rafael Mendez, I can play good enough to enjoy myself and my experience.

Sometimes I want to smash my horn into the tiled floors of my living room when I'm playing but then I remember all of the times I've been happy just to play my horn.

Something to strive for?

No, not at all.

Something to appreciate for it's most excellent style and technique?

Most definitely.