Daniel asked:


Hello and thank you for reading my question!

I am a trombone player, I consider myself to be quite accomplished as far as college level Jazz band and Classical band/orchestra goes. As long as there is sheet music in front of my face.

I have never felt comfortable improvising. I have tried some of the Jamie Abersold books, I have even taken lessons from Harry Meidema (Tenor Sax for the O’Jays) on how to improv.

I sight read most sheet music with ease, when it comes time to solo, I sound like a fish out of water (and that is being generous, more like an autistic, retarded, diabetic going through shock)

I have listened to the likes of JJ, Rosalino (who I ADORE, DAMN was he flexible!), and others.

I don’t wish to sound like a mimic or some strange combination of JJ and Rosalino (which any combination of the two is going to sound messed up).

I am able to mimic the technic of Rosalino as far as fliexibility goes (at least as much as any mortal dare try). However, the sheer melodious solos of JJ elude me.

I am a very right brained person, I freely admit that, I am good with taking what is written and then making it my own from there. As far as creating my own, I know that personal creativity comes into play.

Base question here:
I know how to play T-bone. I can read chord changes. What is a good way to use those skills with what I have heard and combine them into something original?

All help is appreciated, thanks for reading.
I will add the following details.

I know the scales that underlie each chord change, I can play them on demand in an independent setting.

However, utilizing them in a way that makes sense to a listener is another matter. I am dissonant and without meleodic guidance, Even when I am playing around with established standards,

how to sight read music