What can Dizzie Gilespie teach us about shaving?

**singlewedge** · 08-24-2009, 02:33 PM

Besides being smooth and having great rhythm. Dizzie teaches us that in order to really wail on those notes and whiskers we need to inflate the cheeks just slightly to get that stretch so that we are smooth and cool all day long.

Stay cool all you hep cats and inflate those cheeks. It also helps to push your toungue against your lower teeth to "puff" out the underside of your jaw.

Its been working for me for a few weeks now so I thought I'd share.

**RazorPete** · 08-25-2009, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by singlewedge

Besides being smooth and having great rhythm. Dizzie teaches us that in order to really wail on those notes and whiskers we need to inflate the cheeks just slightly to get that stretch so that we are smooth and cool all day long.

Stay cool all you hep cats and inflate those cheeks. It also helps to push your toungue against your lower teeth to "puff" out the underside of your jaw.

Its been working for me for a few weeks now so I thought I'd share.

Actually, just like a squirrel in a peanut factory he is storing stuff in his cheeks. But instead of nuts, he is storing air, for blowing prolonged riffs. Circular breathing is another technique which some players use for long riffs, like Coltrane.

**keenedge** · 08-25-2009, 10:43 PM

I used to do this when I used a disposable but when I try to do this with a straight, I end up just about nicking myself. Maybe I just don't have the hang of it yet.

**Obie** · 08-25-2009, 10:49 PM

Gentlemen,

I am delighted to know this forum also has jazzers on its roster, who can speak about America's true art form. It is a pleasure reading your posts about the great Diz.

As for puffing the cheeks when shaving, it has worked quite well for me since I started the art of shaving with a straight razor.

Regards,

Obie

**bassguy** · 08-25-2009, 11:18 PM

That could have gone any number of directions, but I'm glad it went the way it did

I myself have a slight hollow in my cheeks when I stretch the skin, something to do with my bone structure (no funny valentine jokes please) and I find myself having to do just that, puff up for those spots.
FWIW, I highly recommend this album to shave to. Hits the spot!
Amazon.com: Bird & Diz: Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie: Music
Here's a video of someone doing an 'interpretive dance' to my favorite track off this album. For those in the know, Monk is on piano and Buddy Rich is on drums! Oh and Curley Russell is on bass. Classic!
YouTube - Jazz Dispute

**CoolHandJaden** · 08-25-2009, 11:55 PM

I too am a fan of the puffed cheek technique...now if only I could do this:

**Obie** · 08-26-2009, 12:10 AM

Gentlemen,

That video with Dizzy's horn behind it is delightful.

As for the frog puffing up, can the critter play bebop?

Regards,

Obie

**Kingfish** · 08-26-2009, 01:49 AM

This was one of the best posts so far. So their are cheek puffers vs skin stretchers? I am a skin stretcher and don't think I could do this. Maybe cause I am more of a strings guy. What happens if you get a nick? Is it game over? Justin I am suprised at you but then I see you also swing with the Didgeridoo. Do your cheeks do that?

M

**bassguy** · 08-26-2009, 05:41 AM

You know, I didn't even think of that. Hah! Funny that. Why, yes they do!

YouTube - Djalu Gurruwiwi C yirdaki

**singlewedge** · 08-26-2009, 02:50 PM

When you puff the cheeks it is just to flatten out the surface to make it one plane. I also stretch the skin when I am doing this and yes watch your lower lips cause you'll take a piece out of them.

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