Here is the latest in our series of exclusive Fringe Blog interviews. Sam Slide is well-known in Buxton and to Fringe audiences. A great friend of the Fringe - when he's not performing you'll catch him at other events. Here are our questions and Sam's answers - we don't think he is giving much away. Trombonists for you!
People are said to resemble their pets. Do musicians resemble their instruments?
Interesting to mention pets - musicians get attached to their instruments, which do have their own personalities. Violin players talk about that a lot but it's the same for brass instruments, small differences in weights, dimensions and even the type of metal can make an instrument feel very different.
I don't know if there's a trombone personality, but you need to be comfortable with your chosen instrument. I think a lot of musicians have similar personalities, at least as far as the music goes. I've always got on well with musical people I've met over the years, although there have been a couple of exceptions!
The trombone isn't a sexy instrument - like the trumpet or saxophone. Why did you choose the 'bone' - or did it choose you?
Sounds like a question for Cameryn Moore [Of Phone Whore fame - Fringe 2014/2015. ed.] I think that's only because the sax and trumpet are more common. The trombone covers the same range as the human voice, with the same ability to bend and slide notes and produce a wide range of tones - so it's the winner for me. The story of my musical background is all part of the show but I can't remember exactly how I came to play the trombone - It was over 40 years ago.
Sam - you've got a lot of friends many of whom will come to your shows. Do you find it reassuring or worrying when you see those familiar faces out there?
A bit of both - it's reassuring to see familiar faces, but then there's more pressure to play well. Once I've started playing I'm less aware of who is there, I just do my best to entertain them all. The worst thing would be having a really good trombone player in the room. Actually, that has happened.
You seem comfortable in a range of musical settings - brass bands, jamming with jazz musicians - do you have any preferences.
That's right, I enjoy playing a variety of music. I've never been a dyed-in-the-wool brass band enthusiast but I do enjoy the occasional outing with our local Burbage Band. This usually involves getting cold and wet playing Christmas carols or getting warm and wet in the Carnival parade - look out for Sam Slide in a red jacket on the 9th July. I do admire the work Burbage do in training young players.
Jazz is different, there's no written music in front of you - it's all about listening to the other players. Once you get used to that it's surprising how quickly a group of strangers can get it together. It's also a pleasure to meet so many different people with a common interest.
I've no desire to play orchestral music, bagpipes or the banjo but I'm happy to have a go at most other things. Thanks to Buxton Fringe I've even played with the Morris dancers which was great fun.
Sam - this is the third year you've done this show. What new tunes and revelations can we look forward to?
That's a secret - you'll have to come along! Obviously, the autobiographical theme is what it is, but I've added some new stories. The last two shows had similar playlists so I've tried to change as many tunes as possible this time, keeping some of the old favourites. There will be a few surprises, which may include a guest vocalist!
Sam and Friends will be entertaining at The Old Clubhouse on 12th and 19th July.
If you want your Fringe 2016 show featured on this Blog contact us at: entries@buxtonfringe.org.uk and we'll set-up an interview for you.
Buxton Fringe
Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
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Twitter: @buxtonfringe
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