Frank Rosolino

[09Grahame]

The other thing is Ronny Scott died of depression because he couldn't play anymore due to very bad teeth which he started to medicate with large amounts of

brandy. He started to complain that he was playing like Bill Clinton. I knew Ronny from the old days when the club was on Gerrard street in Soho. Ronny plus Tubby Hayes gave me my first lessons in playing Bop, plus Bill LeSage was also a great help.

[09Grahame]

Frank's use of tripple tonging was not the traditional Arban thing which is bulky but a combination of 'diggada gadaga' instead of 'tataka-tataka' Also the last mouthpiece he used was made in 1976 by Terry Warburton in Toronto. I happened to be in Terries shop when Frank came in. In consequence we use the same mouthpiece. Frank was playing at Georges Spaghetti House with my old friend Terry Clarke on drums, plus Ed Bickert and Don Thomson.

[Vahayr]

Any one got the Frank and Barry Harris record?

i forgot the name of the record.

[scottierockett]

the trombone is such an awesome wind instrument to the "BIG BAND" era. i just enjoy the music!!!! i wish the big band era was still around :(

[Mabolzich]

I saw Frank Rosolino playing live with Supersax back when I was in high school. He blew me away then and he still does today. I've never heard a trombone player better and I've been around over 60 years.

[jj1023665]

whats the name of this piece

[jazztrbn77]

@jj1023665 mean to me

[Mabolzich]

@jj1023665 It's called Mean To Me.

[IdolTruth]

@jj1023665  "Mean to Me"

[emacH179]

The greatest trombone player. Great sound and lovely jazz lines and unbelievable technique.

[exjazzbassbaz]

awesome never get tired of the GREAT man.knockout. many thanks.

[benjamintrb]

Frank is unbelievable. No one plays like him, so rooted in blues its not even funny.

[lesbellesduswing]

great

[digitaltrombone]

Love the way Frank make it sound so light and easy! Awsome as always

[TrombonePlayingGiant]

I love this video. Frank Rosolino played so beautifully.

[Felbound]

Anyone know what this song is called? o.O

Really love this video btw :)

[hooterplayer]

@Felbound This tune is "Mean to Me" What a cracker

[classicjazzcat]

Frank Rossolino Had great phrasing. He played Bop but "swung" daddy!!

[gasiraz]

Players are Mike Melvoin,pno; Bob Bertaux, bass;Nick Martinis, drums.; this tune was recorded in VHS from the original TV show Jazz Scene USA..in1962.(Produced by Steve Allen)

Incidentally, Rosolino was a good reader. You had to read a lot to play the stan Kenton charts at the time Rosolino joined the band (Bil Russo and Bill Homan were the main arrangers)

[digitaltrombone]

Hero!

[XxPOOPxNOSExX]

Does anyone know where i could get some free sheet music for this? by the way im not planning on being a pro trombonist i just need it for a project, so if anyone could give me a hand i would really appreciate it

[EddieVH666]

my trombone teacher told me to watch this since I sometimes have trouble coming up for things when it comes to soloing holy shit I've got some ideas now!

[randylikesdrums]

no doubt that if there was "Best Trombonist of all time", it is Frank Rosolino. INSANE.

[DrumTchr]

You are right Randy, followed by Carl Fontana and then maybe Bill Watrous. Funny thing is, Rosolino could not read music. Louie Bellson told me this.

[randylikesdrums]

Cool. Well, I know his Brother can because he is my Grandfather. Frank is my Great uncle. I think you may be right on that for the most part. I have so many tapes of Gigs that Gabby (Frank's brother and my grandpa) played with Frank when he'd come to Toronto. They're actually on cassette tape.

[DrumTchr]

Oh Randy, those recordings that you have are priceless! They should be transferred and preserved for the generations of players that want any and every recorded music by Frank. The recordings you have are about as important as the Benedetti recordings of Charlie Parker. Even recordings that are not very good sonically are VERY important because of the musical information that is on them. You have a VERY important treasure trove. PLEASE back these recordings up.

[randylikesdrums]

Thank you. I'm just waiting to see what my grandpa wants me to do with them. The playing blows me away. I played trombone in Junior High school and really learned to appreciate it because of his playing. I'm actually a drummer now, but I have another uncle that is a fantastic trombone player as well.

[hope2play]

@randylikesdrums hey Randy. I'm Frank's nephew. Anything you have 'iive' displaying our uncle's scat singing? No one better than him t-bone and scat.

[randylikesdrums]

i'm jamming with Gabby tonight in Clinton twp, so I'll ask him. I do have a Cassette tape of a Toronto gig with Gabby and Him both scat singing. It's frickin' crazy/good.

[hope2play]

@randylikesdrums. Send me your email address. We are related and yet have no idea who the heck each other is.

[JukeboxTenor]

My dad - also a skilled trombone player - knew Frank pretty well through a Pontiac, IL connection.

[sktyler]

@DrumTchr Well, that just isn't true. Frank worked recording sessions in L.A., performed with many big bands that required reading charts. He could play his parts just fine. Perhaps is wasn't the strongest part of his game, but of course he knew how to read written music

[DrumTchr]

sktyler, Yes, Frank played his parts just fine. He was the best. But then, so did Buddy Rich and Buddy could not read either. He had true photographic memory. I believe Frank did too, playing it perfectly note for note after only hearing it once.

[rlneesam]

Kenton's Peanut Vendor owes much of its success to this man. Crackling trombone at its best.

[remilburne7]

what is the name of this song?

[themadtrombonist]

This is "Mean to Me" by Fred Ahlert. Recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Doris Day if you want to hear other more popular versions.

[laurakolb]

the master.............

[OyonTheAdept]

I know I may be asking a question that's not universally understood, but...does anybody know how to get a perfect tone?

[LeonardandPaul]

its a life long battle and you will never be happy but do many long tones daily and that will make you happier. Also u can find a player u likes sound and try to match it by playing along. the key is being consistent and do it on a day by day basis.

[LeonardandPaul]

Perfect is also very subjective word. I bet if we asked a player that we admired about their sound they would say they would like it to be better.

[sfsmike]

Although I myself do not have perfect tone, tone is one of the biggest things for me. From studying with classical and jazz people, I think there's a basic consensus that buzzing (a keboard helps) scales, long tones... anything, will greatly increase tone. As well as air support which means opening your throat, dropping your jaw and using lots and lots of air (although not necessarily great amounts of air, but air speed is also particularly crucial). Also the vowel you articulate is crucial..

[OyonTheAdept]

Ah! I kinda get it now. Thank you for the advice! I'll try to include the buzzing excercises in my warm ups ^^

[joojoovokoroba]

@OyonTheAdept haha, practise!

[deathofisrael]

best chops ive heard to date!

amazing player!

[skaterpacman6745]

thanks, thats what i figured... i have the same horn. it gives a real nice bright sound

[skaterpacman6745]

Does anyone know his set up?. god he sounds good

[LeonardandPaul]

he played a conn 6h

[macree01]

Frank, the bebop trombone virtuoso/extrordinare.

[Laanen]

A Real trombone master!

[jazzmusic1937]

mean to me is the name of this tune

[lakermagic32]

whats the name of this song

[trombonepardal]

GUAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[jazzmusic1937]

frank was one of the very best bone players but there were many others dick nash carl fontana just so many like they used to say in the old days just pick your poisoin you cant go wrong

[BuckshotLaFunke]

May I throw in Urbie Green's name?

[ieatbunnies3]

I wouldnt say he is the best, although he was very very very very good! But we must al remember then even before frank rosolino was around there was also Arthur Pryor playing flight of the bumble bee in the before 1900. But this solo is freaking awesome!

[Tubalcainscream]

You gotta be kidding me comparing Arthur Pryor to Frank Rosolino. Or Flight Of the Bumblebee to hard bop. If you don't know--don't comment.

[ieatbunnies3]

Excuse me But I wasnt comparing them, I was mearly stating that there is no best trombone player each great player was a master of their instrument and had their own strengths and weaknesses, and No matter what style your playing classical or jazz, Romantic or Hard bop, dixieland or modern the mechanics that go into making a beautiful trombone sound all relate, as a trombonist who listens AND performs equal amounts of classical and jazz music I can definitely attest to that

[loujug1]

Well said LouisRosendoMarquez

You couldn't have put it better if you tried.

Whether he's the best to some extent depends on your taste, but no one bettered him, especially his sheer speed.

[LouisRosendoMarquez]

I am a big fan of J.J. Johnson, Bill Watrous, Kai Winding and Elmer Pace. However, Rosolino was undoubtedly, the very best. His technical skills along with his fluid, melodic abilities were at a level yet to be attained by any other trombone player. I'm sorry for those of you who can't separate his tragic death from his jazz playing. I met Rosolino once and found him pleasant and so easy to talk to. He was an amazingly gifted musician, and his untimely death shocked and saddened me greatly.

[loujug1]

Hi hope2play

I have posted you a comment on the Flamingo track. I was horrified when I found out how Frank had died. It's difficult to believe because of his many kindnesses to young musicians over here in the UK in the 60's. I remember reading that when on tour over here, he would often turn up unannounced at schools he knew of, and would sit in with the horn section to the delight of many a schoolkid. His death was a tragedy and he should just be remembered as the great musician he was.

[hope2play]

Seems like a number of posts about Franks death are from people claiming to be his relatives. Don't believe it! I'm Franks nephew and know two things. Frank was about as great a t-bone player there ever was. Second, Frank fought depression and would not go on medication. Frank did shoot his sons for a number of depressive reasons. It was wrong, terrible and tragic. But this crap of he did not murder his kids and even worse, his kids being molested is sick and pure lies.

[fergenberg]

esto esta fabuloso, espero que me digan de donde es este trombonista y si puedo encontrar CDs de este tipo ok espero respuesta.chao

[musicianssocial]

My name is Leasa Rosolino and I knew Frank when I was young. Frank use to come in from California and visit the family in the Warren and Detroit area. He use to let me play his horn and when I grew up I wanted to be a horn player like him cause he was so nice. It is hard to believe that he would kill his family but his lifestyle caught up with him and we are not blood, my father was adopted by the Rosolino's. My Grandfather and Franks Father were brothers. But we had some great times though

[danylongshaft]

amazing...

[xc1816]

i agree. the jazz world should know the real story on the rosolinos deaths.

[jpetes56]

Rosolino19- please go public with what you know about Frank's death, and the deaths and injuries to his family. If what you are saying is true, it would not only change history, but it would clear Frank's name, and give him back his rightful place in jazz history. You owe it to Frank, to your family, and to the thousands of Frank's fans!

[negussy]

good!!!

[iseesue12]

this guys really good! I play some trombone myself and I know how hard it is for a trombonist to play this way.

[DarthBronze]

Great! i'll just let you guys know that Frank's my favorite jazz trombonist next to bill watrous.

[Rosolino19]

the baby sitter shot frank and the family. even franks living son justin said it was her. the reason he did not say anything before is because he was brain damaged after he was shot in the head for a while.now hes normal but blind. the old nanny even called him and said she should have made sure he was dead. he has no proof do give to the courts and the case is open again, it was never solved to begin with. but frank did NOT do it.more questions? giv me your myspace, you can ask any rosolinos

[JaredCS]

You should edit the wiki article of this.

[bobilleg74]

C'mon, Rosolino19. Justin died instantly that night. It was Jason who survived. He lived in a constant vegetative state with his mother's cousin until he too died in 1986 aged 15.

[bobilleg74]

Furthermore, how could Frank have been cheating on his wife if she died some six years earlier? He had a girlfriend at the time, Diane Armesto. She had returned from being out and heard the gunshots from outside. Even back then, ballistic evidence would have spotted foul play.

[randylikesdrums]

@bobilleg74 you couldn't be more wrong. Jason just spend Christmas with our family in Detroit. Don't spread rumors of things you don't know. Thank you.

[bobilleg74]

@randylikesdrums. I stand corrected. Years ago, I did my degree dissertation on Frank's life and music. This was before the internet and the info I was quoting was obvioulsy incorrect. Apologies!

[jpetes56]

If what you're saying is true, it would change history. Frank was my friend, and you should not rest until this truth gets out- if it is the truth.

[Rosolino19]

and to CLEAR THINGS UP this is franks great niece again. HE did not kill his family. if you dont have knowledge and wanna talk crap then shutup. he was cheating on his wife, with the babysitter. the babysitter was bi, and would invite her gf over while she was watching his kids.she and the gf would molest his kids in the shower and do wierd things with them. they told their parents and frank cut communication with that babysitter and was gonna put her in jail.then it was too late.

[Rosolino19]

Hey people! Frank was my great uncle. im 20 so of course ive never met him, hes my grandfathers uncle and died way before i was born. anyways if you like franks music you should hear my grandfathers! and my grandpas son tony, hes also a musician,very goodas well. frank has an amazing son named justin. hes blind, but a beautiful person. i didnt know that people actually listened to my uncle, its pretty cool though :)

well i gotta get goin now

later people

[itsthunderoutthere]

I recommend you to become a trombone player, if you aren't yet?

[deetman6]

"Mean to Me" great old tune and such an interpretation! He was somethin else!

[macree01]

Go to dailymotion to see the rest of these videos with Frank.

[MagicRain505]

This band got so much SOUL!

[sliderman7]

And plays great time, right on the beat.

[macree01]

Im serious, Ive been getting tired of seeing the same videos for the last 6 months, and I know there are more videos of not just Frank, but many of the other trombonists.

[macree01]

Please post more videos of Frank!!!

[Capuano]

There have GOT to be more videos of Frank around here somewhere. I'm dying for more!

[TboneWertman]

flexabilaty is amazing

[osunamusic]

thank you very much for the videos of Mr. ROSOLINO!!!! GUAU!!! GREAT!!!!

[osunamusic]

Please!!! more videos Mr. rosolino,  thank you!!!

[osunamusic]

Por favor!!! mas videos del Sr. rosolino, gracias de antemano!!!

[venezuelaNproud]

Frank Rosolino is WAILING!!!

[SlvrSonic2B]

Putting Franks sickness aside and his sadly shortened life, He was by far the most monster trombone player ever. His use of against the grain playing, bebop and blues lines, and his infamous turns has left a make on jazz trombonists everywhere. It is very hard to get a sound like frank which i;ve been working at for years. Needless to say, Frank is one of the innovators of the modern trombone

[indoctus41]

SlvrSonic2B:

I have talked with Don Thompson (bassist) in Toronto who put together a 2 CD recording of Frank when he played a week here in 1976 with Don himself, Ed Bickert (guitar) and Terry Clarke (drums). It's astounding how much music Frank had in him, and you're right, his innovations have influenced many. A genius, but also, tragically, someone who lacked the tools to overcome his emotional suffering.

[wizardwisey]

Thanks for the great sounds Frank!

[macree01]

The way Frank died has nothing to do with this video, this video is meant to celebrate his playing, and no offense bringing up that subject, especially on this video is absolutley ridiculous.

[Capuano]

FRANK ROSOLINO. I want my tone to be like his. BRB LONG TONES.

[obeacerplus]

you guys arge like a bunck of old ladies

[DCMSangro]

are you stupid? he's not one of the only...haha i can triple tongue. he doesn't triple tongue either. he doodle tongues. shows how much you know...

[macree01]

Frank did a technique called multiple tonguing, his own variation of doodle tongue, triple tonguing and double tounging, and only he could do it due to a mucular disorder in his mouth that he had when he was a child.

[k5vg]

Forget all that technique nonsense. What Frank did was blow jazz. You can find technicians anywhere.  Jazz musicians of Frank's caliber are rare.

[macree01]

Very rare indeed!

[Trombone0817]

In this particular clip the faster sections just sound like a bunch of turns to me(And if you haven't noticed, Rosolino and JJ are the masters of turns on the trombone). I know he did some form of multiple slur tounging whether that was a doodle or something else because I've heard him do it before, but it doesn't really sound like he's doing it here.

[wwefanatic911]

Triple tounghing is hard to do. Frank Rosolino is one of the only people who can do it. PROPS.

[marcusjazz1625]

Dude, i can triple toungue. im not an expert or anything..... but i can do it. check out the Arbans book it will tell you how to do it.

[arieltercero]

una cosa de locos

[poopshupealupe]

just thinking about how he shot his sons makes me sad. One for the sons clearly, and two for Frank. Why? Because he is certainly a wonderful play and as stated earlier "forged his own style" all of that put to waist because he was ignorant for a few minuets. He could have gone farther.

[evtuchenko]

GREAT!!!

[gregwaits]

We all know that he shot his sons. There's no undoing or denying what he did at the end. But to term him a montster is a little callous. He committed a monsterous act, but that shouldn't define him.

I choose to celebrate the joy (and other emotions) that he expressed in music. He forged his own style. While influenced by musicians who came before him, he copied no one's style.

[petebax1]

I was with Ronnie Scott just before he went I think they both give up. Parker,Waller, and so many others didn't belong in this world Perhaps Waller is the best example

just listen to African Ripples and then think what the world wanted him to play oh and roll his eyes. So much talent as destroyed itself on the alter of making a buck. Peter fats Baxter

PS I was once compaired to Frank but he was a unique player.

[hope2play]

Frank made a number of bad choices over wifes, (married three times) as well as some major financial problems. The you add a high level of depression without medication and you have a bomb waiting to explode. I'm his nephew and I can still remember the day the family found out. His actions which to this day are still hard for me to believe. But unless you have fallen into the hell hole of severe depression without medication, you have no idea what thoughts will consume you.

[minor7b5]

tune is called "Mean To Me" & Frank proves once again what a wonderful bone man he was. Too bad he died such a tragic death.

[vilulfo]

minor7b5:I met Rosolino when living in NY - he had a good sense of humor. I remember him talking about a bandleader(can't remember his name - but he was German) and Frank said playing with him was like playing for Hitler! When and how did he die?

[minor7b5]

He died by his own hand in 1978 at the age of 52. His wife committed suicide in 1972. Frank was subject to terrible bouts of depression, & in '78 he shot his two young sons, then himself. One of the sons survived, but is severely disabled. Frank was probably what is called "bipolar." Frank never got into the heroin scene like many others of his time; just suffered a mental condition. People were shocked at his demise, 'cause when he was OK was very outgoing.

[vilulfo]

minor7b5 Well, that rattled my cage in a big way. Even after all these years I never forgot him. His humor was so keen that he just broke me up and so seemingly at ease. I wonder if he ever sought help, but then in 1978 it's dubious that the right medications for this condition were being used(?)

[minor7b5]

I am also bipolar & don't care who knows about it. In the mid-80s a drug called "Prozac" came out. It was the first of the SSRIs(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to battle this condition. I keep my mood under control, but using a different SSRI. There are different degrees of it, & I have the least serious, which is Bipolar2. Before the drug, I would suffer depression for 2-3 months at a time. I suspect Frank had Bipolar1 or manic-depression. SSRIs keep your brain chemistry balanced.

[vilulfo]

minor7b5: It is just so hard to correlate the Rosolino I had an extended conversation with years ago with this outcome. I wonder if he had been leveled out with the right medication would it have diluted his extraordinary wit. Do you know if he ever had periods when he could not play?

[minor7b5]

I'm sure he did. Before SSRIs I could not touch the guitar when I was in a depression. The things you ordinarily love to do; you just lose interest in them, & believe at the time that you'll never do them again. SSRIs are not the complete answer to this condition, but now I know that it's just a matter of time before I will get back to normal. This medication does NOT dilute your normal personality or affect your playing.

[vilulfo]

minor7b5 I wrote a longer reply using "compose email" under general messages. Hope you get it. If not, let me know. Vilulfo

[minor7b5]

Yup; I thought I didn't because I'm not used to this site yet; just joined 2 or 3 weeks ago. My drummer turned me on to it. If you want to read all about Frank, try the free encyclopedia, called Wikipedia. You can also find just about anything with the free version of Copernic Agent Basic, which uses a meta search....that means it uses about 11 or 12 search engines instead of 1.....Cheers

[vilulfo]

Found out quite a bit just searching the web(biography) and even a particularly funny outrageous incident perpetrated by Frank in Denver. Did you hear Frank play "Well,you needn't" in a series with the rest of the above clips. I love Monk. Have you had good luck with Copernic? More later in your inbox.

[minor7b5]

Love the Monk tunes, especially "Well You Needn't" My jazz group does it all the time. I'm a big Monk fan, & think that his tune "'Round Midnite" was a work of genius. I write bebop heads myself, but never have I heard a tune that characterizes the reality of being alone at midnight (in this case) like this one does. Ever heard Carmen McCrae do the Monk tunes? Awesome.

[vilulfo]

Yes, I have that Carmen McCrae CD and I do love Monk. Another great I got to see numerous times at the old Five Spot and the new, as well as crazy Elvin Jones and who else..Coltrane. And I want to know why the hell I'm not seeing any Carmen McCrae videos. I saw her once in a very small intimate club in NY and it was magic and yes, she did sing "Round Midnight" and the place got quiet. You "write bebop heads"... no entiendo??

[minor7b5]

Vil; I'm going to see if anyone knows how to send a CD by email after you've ripped it to WMP. Can anyone help me out?

[vilulfo]

minor7:I think we need a 10 year old child to help us. I know I do. Did you see his craziness Frank R. singing "Please don't bug me" His voice makes me laugh.

[minor7b5]

didn't see it, but I will

[bobilleg74]

I've found it very interesting reading all these comments. I got well into Rosolino when I did my degree dissertation on him. Spent hours and hours transcribing solos! The best account I read about his last few days appears in a book by Gene Lees called 'Meet Me at Jim and Andy's'. Thank goodness he left this footage and so many superb recordings!

[minor7b5]

He spent his last day on a plane with Quincy Jones. The next day Quincy read that Frank was dead. He also shot his two young boys. One survived, but is blind. I think he suffered from more than depression. Transcribing jazz solos is tough work. My alma mater was Berklee in Boston.

[bobilleg74]

You're not kidding it was tough - especially the way he played! He must have been in a very dark place when he did what he did and a lot of people share your sentiments. My alma mater was City of Leeds College of Music, England.

[minor7b5]

Hi bob; Since learning the details of his life, I get a disturbing feeling whenever I hear him playing. Sometimes it's hard to separate out the music from the person. I have no problem with someone who takes their own life. But to do the same to your kids is another thing altogether. Shouldn't make a difference, but it does.

[michaelt106]

the best ...... is tuttis trombones available on cd ?

[plinkenstein]

This video is definately running fast. It sounds like there playing in Db but if you watch the pianist he is soloing in Cmajor.

[richardwigley]

Ive got this on dvd an the pitch is fine... really odd watching this version

[LungsMcPherson]

Frank was one of the greatest trombonists that ever walked the face of the Earth!

[portobob]

Somebody who knew Frank said his depression was aggrevated when he was passed over for a recording session with a Brazillian/Bossa Nova theme. Anybody heard such a sad story?

[Monkeylobber111]

This is from a tv broadcast calle Jazz Scene USA. And I have seen this one with Frank Rosolino and after it is Stan Kenton's orchestrae. Really great video. It is a shame how he and his family went

[minor7b5]

I feel for his two young boys; he shot both of them; one survived, but is severely disabled & totally blind. Does the term "monster" musician come to mind?

[hope2play]

He was as gone as there was! His end sucked with those he took with him. Depression in those days resulted to med's that made you a veggie. Sting is right; somee of the most brilliant musicians as Frank was struggle with depression.

[hope2play]

One slight correction. As GOOD as there was.

[minor7b5]

I struggled with depression too. But the meds available now do not make you a veggie (SSRIs). Also, if I were going to off myself, I would not take my two children with me. He was a great musician, but a killer as well. I won't tell you who I am; just that I am a jazz guitarist, & F.R. was an asshole.

[gregwaits]

Wow. I didn't read this post before posting my first post. Minor7b5 has proven that there is no shortage of assholes around!

[jazzbone555]

YES..you are a MAJOR ASSHOLE..do some research moron, Frank was bi-polar and was not being treated because no one knew anything about it in those days...Do you really think he would have done that if he was in his right mind ??? DUDE..GET A LIFE!!

[stephenlovesalyson]

best trombonist right here. hes so great

[loller345]

mike melvoin is on piano

[sherwelthlangley]

Who's the pianist in the video?

[sherwelthlangley]

So sad how his life ended. :(

[bass079]

Frank's slide technique is amazing! It doesn't coincide with the sound though. They played in C major but the video sounds in C# (or Db) major, which becomes obvious when the camera shows the piano keyboard.

[abda53]

its an old ass recording. it happens

[minor7b5]

I think you're right.

[richardwigley]

Think this tunes called 'mean to me'

[Jeaneathean]

The late and very great Frank. Never seen him play before. Thanks for this!

[zemry]

Great video

[lanesblitz]

Frank, the best there is.

[loller345]

hes playing mean to me

[ferdinangenius]

epic sound, lovely harmonic wrk