"Dad's Dilemma" - Craig Klein
"Dad's Dilemma" (PDF) from the Craig Klein album, New Orleans Trombonisms.
A square can be a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square. So when it comes to classification, a set of rules must be maintained for clarity. In this case, any shape with four sides holds the title of rectangle, however only a shape with four equal sides is hip enough to be square. Similarly, the album title, New Orleans Trombonisms, invokes a study of the trombone's role within New Orleans music, yet this album reveals itself as a showcase of New Orleans' vast musical stylings overlaid with a trombone.
Craig Klein and Bonerama attempt to redefine that traditional role of New Orleans trombone, the tailgating sideman, primarily by featuring the trombone as the lead instrument. For example, Klein describes in an interview the process of recording "Dad's Dilemma," a take on James Booker's "Pop's Dilemma," using only low brass instruments to replicate the stride-piano style of New Orleans. But like the way stride-piano requires two strong individual hands, Klein's version for trombone relies on the use of multiple parts to imitate that piano style. In essence, Klein' approach to the trombone is influenced by its unsuspecting applications rather than focusing on the qualities that once made it originally unique.
That being said, "Dad's Dilemma" relies heavily on a delayed II7-V7 chord pattern throughout its traditional form, as well as an extended turnaround for its bridge section. Many of the patterns played by Klein make use of tension through repetition, followed by a glissando into the resolution. Additionally, the use of the wah helps to shape the melodic phrasing and colors the tone with a bluesy cry.
If only I wasn't confined to having to use a practice mute, then maybe I'd have some effective tips for using the wah. <wah wah>
Here’s a YouTube video of a more traditional Craig Klein performing on Frenchmen Street:
Recommended reading: American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Published by Harper Collins.