He played with the Tonight Show Band from 1962 to 1972, and performed and recorded in both New York and Los Angeles at the highest levels. From the Fania All Stars, to The Easter Seals Telethons, From JJ and Kai Plus 6 to recordings with his musical hero Urbie Green, bass trombonist Paul Faulise is an author as well, and has graciously agreed to sit down for a spell with “Seven Positions” tm…. Enjoy!…..
1st Position
What do you look for in an instrument? Did it change over time?
For all my career my preference was for an instrument that allowed me to achieve a warm, centered sound suitable for both live and recorded work. For that reason I prefer red brass bells, valves with a bit of resistance, for brightness, and a standard weight slide.
Mostly Conns and Bachs?
Yes. I started on a Bach 50B then went to a Conn 72H, finally the Minick.
Having said this, I would like to give a more in-depth answer. My visual concept of the “bass trombone sound†is the sun sitting on the horizon just before it sets exuding warmth and brightness from its orange, golden hues.
Therefore, I prefer red brass bells for warmth, valves with a bit of resistance for brightness and a standard weight slide for a solid core sound.
GEORGE ROBERTS, SOLO BASS TROMBONE WITH THE
STAN KENTON ORCHESTRA
2nd Position
Who Are Your Inspirations?
My inspirations for making music on the bass trombone were George Roberts and Urbie Green.
My non- musical inspiration was Bernie Glow. He was one of the best lead trumpet players I have ever worked with. However, it was his professional approach to the music business that inspired me.
Was the Stan Kenton recording of “Stella by Starlight” featuring George Roberts the reason you switched to bass trombone?
Absolutely!
Fania All-Stars
“Ella Fue”
3rd Position
What is your secret to a great legato?
My secret to smooth legato tonguing, especially in the low and pedal registers, is practice, practice and more practice.
My technique is to practice scale lines and ballad type tunes in the mid, low and pedal registers.
The Tonight Show Band
Johnny Carson circa 1970
4th Position
How did you approach warming up in your studio days?
Having time to warm-up when arriving to the studio was a luxury. If time allowed, I would do a 10-15 minute warm-up routine in a practice mute. Most of the time the first tune of the recording session was the warm-up.
Since my work as a bass trombonist was mostly limited to the mid, low and pedal registers it’s only natural that my practice routine would be concentrated in those registers. However, in my daily warm-up and maintenance routine I do practice exercises that include the upper register to high B flat and C.
Jay & Kai + 6
“A Night In Tunisia”
5th Position
Which other players were in your regular group of studio musicians?
The musicians I mainly worked with were: Urbie Green, Frank Rehak, Wayne Andre, Bernie Glow, Doc Severinsen, Clark Terry and others too many to mention.
6th Position
How would you compare the approach of Los Angeles and New York studio recordings during your tenure?
Having recorded in both N Y and L A, my observation was that L A musicians were more conscious of microphone technique where as N Y musicians recorded as they would playing a live performance.
Urbie Green, Twenty-One Trombones
“Here’s That Rainy Day”
7th Position
Beside George Roberts, which bass trombonists do you see that have advances the instrument?
Today there are so many great bass trombonists that are contributing to the advancement of the instrument. I don’t know or have heard many of them, but two that come to mind are Bill Reichenbach and Dave Taylor, each great in their own genre of music.
c. 2018 David William Brubeck All Rights Reserved. www.davidbrubeck.com
Urbie Green, Umpteen Trombones
“Star Dust”
Urbie Green’s Go Fund Me for Medical Care

If you are a fan of Jazz, you may be well aware of the artistry of my father, Urbie Green. He is a legendary Trombonist and has had a career that can only be compared to those top performers who came before him; a career that has inspired millions and brought joy to so many. 

In his early days, he was a prodigy and went on the road to support his family during the Great Depression. After being scouted and joining Big Bands, he played with the likes of Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.

It is now, in his senior years where we find ourselves as a family, struggling to support him, as he has fallen on several medical challenges.

Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with medical bills, as Urbie has had several health problems at the age of 91.

We ask, humbly, as a family striving to support him, to contribute anything you can to assist him in his later years.

Without going into detail, you can imagine at this age, there are many issues he is facing. Proceeds will help pay for doctor’s visits, medical procedures, medication, physical therapy, assisted living, etc.

We ask, please, that you find it in your heart, to contribute to his well being, and help support the challenge of allowing him to remain comfortable in these golden years.

Thank you so much for your generosity!

~ The Green Family
Interested in more “Seven Positions†tm Interviews?
Charlie Vernon
James Markey
Chris Brubeck
Doug Yeo
Jeremy Morrow
Tom Everett
Gerry Pagano
Ben van Dijk
Randall Hawes
Denson Paul Pollard
Thomas Matta
Fred Sturm
Bill Reichenbach
Massimo Pirone
Erik Van Lier
Jennifer Wharton
Matyas Veer
Stefan Schulz