Close Encounters Tuba player Jim Self RIP

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Sad to learn of Jim's passing.

L.A. Studio Legends: Jim Self – The Legacy of John Williams

 

I was lucky enough to perform with him on several big, brassy concert works like Mussorgsky/Ravel's Pictures at an Exhibition and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique.  He was always kind, professional, and happy to talk about his work on Close Encounters.  He played the mothership during the conversation sequence.  RIP.

 

During one of the rehearsals, I was such a big fan, I couldn't stop asking him about his experience on Close Encounters.  That was a very unusual part for a session tuba player.  He mentioned there were three tuba parts but I don't recall if he overdubbed and played each part or was one of three tubists.  He talked about how hard he rehearsed that mothership sequence.  

Jim's amazing work.