Jay Friedman - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

[Savio]

https://youtu.be/bC32nZhvNW4?si=3sV9Zah2l4oljpbn

Isn't this the most beautiful we ever heard from a trombone player? We all play the bordogni every day. Today I got a playlist from YouTube with Chicago Symphony Orchestra;

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFhC ... f0Kube-3NY

All the brass in Chicago are my heroes. The reason is they play so well together. When I see all interviews with all off them there is one thing that strikes me. Even Bud Herseth; The humility, respect, and just try to fit in.

If I was younger I would love to have a lesson with Charlie Vernon. He say things straight out honest and would probably tell me go back to the fjords in Norway to go fishing.

But all my respect to that brass and especially Jay Friedman. An inspiration for decades. And decades to come.

Another link;

https://youtu.be/xEYftmh4wz0?si=M7x4LA-ewRshZEZ_
Amazing!

Leif

[BrianJohnston]

If you listen to the CSO recordings from the 60s-2000s it’s quite remarkable the energy that he added to the brass section. He was able to lead the low brass section and always float on top, and he helped make Bud sound even better. One of the greatest to ever play, and in terms of quality of orchestral trombone sound, the best.

[BassBoneFL]

Aside from his playing and the things that he could do on trombone better than anyone on the planet, what I found most impressive about Jay from sectional coaching in Civic and lessons was how well he knew every note in every part of a piece. He knew how it fit in every chord and orchestration and why you needed to do something that wasn't indicated in the part. His through knowledge of the rep and how it all fit together was amazing.

[chromebone]

If I was younger I would love to have a lesson with Charlie Vernon. He say things straight out honest and would probably tell me go back to the fjords in Norway to go fishing.

I had a lesson with Jay Friedman in my late 40’s in 2019, it was the best single lesson I ever had. He was never critical in any way that was unproductive or unprofessional. You’re never too old to learn. I have no doubt Charlie would be anything other than encouraging to you if you had a lesson with him.

[Schultz]

Here’s a nice article

https://chicagotribune.com/2025/08/13/c ... rY--E3Lxrg

[CalgaryTbone]

Nice to see and hear the kudos for Jay as he takes his well-earned retirement. Not a criticism - just an observation - it might be better to have a clip where he is actually playing rather than one from after he started his leave pending his official retirement. The orchestra sounds great, but maybe someone could add a clip where he's a part of the action.

JS

[BassBoneFL]

Nice to see and hear the kudos for Jay as he takes his well-earned retirement. Not a criticism - just an observation - it might be better to have a clip where he is actually playing rather than one from after he started his leave pending his official retirement. The orchestra sounds great, but maybe someone could add a clip where he's a part of the action.

JS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJMHAwG ... o=1&t=219s

Also, check out 1:04 - 4:00....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3ZdT3LHTH0

[BrianJohnston]

Aside from his playing and the things that he could do on trombone better than anyone on the planet, what I found most impressive about Jay from sectional coaching in Civic and lessons was how well he knew every note in every part of a piece. He knew how it fit in every chord and orchestration and why you needed to do something that wasn't indicated in the part. His through knowledge of the rep and how it all fit together was amazing.

This explains why in his prime, his intonation was spot on in the orchestra. Absolutely impressive. Especially unison/octave stuff with Bud. Would Bud have the same reputation without Jay as his left hand man?

[CalgaryTbone]

Great clips Harold! You've got to love that Berlioz with such great dynamic contrast and fantastic unisons/octaves from Jay and the section! Warm and musical playing in the section chamber music too. Congrats to Jay on a long and successful career!

Jim Scott

[adryalm]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJMHAwG ... o=1&t=219s

Also, check out 1:04 - 4:00....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3ZdT3LHTH0

There used to be a live video recording of the Berlioz piece on Youtube (I believe with Solti conducting). It pops up every couple of years and sounds outstanding. Does anyone know the source of that performance or have a link?

[VJOFan]

When Mr. Crisafuli was still going strong, I don’t think there was a better matched principal and second pairing.

https://youtu.be/o6SeJu5GyGo?si=Lri8nLaFP404YJa9&t=658

[BrianJohnston]

When Mr. Crisafuli was still going strong, I don’t think there was a better matched principal and second pairing.

https://youtu.be/o6SeJu5GyGo?si=Lri8nLaFP404YJa9&t=658

Facts.