Cat Anderson played lead trumpet for Duke Ellington for 22 years. As the top voice in a big band, the lead trumpet player is often swinging the entire band. Cat pioneered high note trumpet playing, with a range of five octaves and strength throughout. No one can become a player of Anderson’s caliber without extraordinary dedication, skill, invention of proper technique, and daily practice to build and maintain the lip muscles (embouchure). I’ve chosen an untitled blues in which you can see his fingering and half-valve technique, observe his gentle approach to the instrument, and see his easy embouchure and … Continue reading Jazz Birthday: William “Cat” Anderson (1916)