trombone Archive
Phil Ranelin – The Time Is Now – Pure Pleasure Records
Eclectic free jazz trombonist gets a vinyl upgrade!
John Fedchock Quartet Live – Reminiscence – Summit Records
A release filled with gratifying engaging music
Tyshawn Sorey – Pillars – Firehouse
Three CDs equal one complete musical tour de force.
Phil Ranelin – Vibes From The Tribes – Pure Pleasure Records
Experimental jazz iconoclast gets a fresh vinyl look!
John Gordon – Step By Step – Strata-East Records
70’s era jazz trombonist gets a slick vinyl upgrade!
Life Force – Peter Moore, Trombone – Rubicon
In a brilliantly clean recording featuring trombone and piano, Peter Moore and James Baillieu make beautiful music. Life Force — Peter Moore (trombone), James Baillieu (piano)—Rubicon Classics RCD1028—66:31, ****1/2 : The trombone speaks by amplifying the buzzing of the player’s lips into a small, diminutive cup. Notes are differentiated by either extending the length of tubing through which this vibration travels, or else by traversing the harmonic series, as a bugler does. Tone is changed by limiting the amount of air, or else, by re-directing the direction of the stream of air within the mouthpiece. Hearing a trombone without all the mechanical fuss that’s part of playing, from sloppy movement of the slide to imprecision in the focus of the lips within the mouthpiece, betrays the amateur from the professional. What I admired most about Peter Moore’s recital is his technical perfection and clarity. The recording is pristinely lucid to also capture the depth of feeling from pianist James Baillieu. Coupled here are two expert musicians. Moore made his mark at the age of 12 as the BBC’s Young musician of the year. He now plays for the London Symphony Orchestra, appointed at age 18. The recital is an eclectic […]
Ryan Keberle and Frank Woeste – Reverso-Suite Ravel – Phono Art
Modern jazz inspired by classicalism. Ryan Keberle and Frank Woeste – Reverso–Suite Ravel [TrackList follows] – Phono Art/Alternate Side, Ref Phonoart 001, 53:40 [2/9/18] ****: (Ryan Keberle – trombone, co-producer; Frank Woeste – piano, co-producer; Vincent Courtois – cello; Jeff Ballard – drums) Classical music and jazz have become intertwined over the decades, from Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” to Miles Davis’ 1960 LP Sketches of Spain (the opening piece is based on Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez), as well as the Modern Jazz Quartet’s 1973 record Blues on Bach and many more examples. Trombonist Ryan Keberle and pianist Frank Woeste’s 53-minute Reverso – Suite Ravel is easily this year’s best classical/jazz hybrid project. The 11 tracks are primarily inspired by Ravel’s six-part solo piano suite “Le tombeau de Couperin,” written between 1914 and 1917. Keberle and Woeste do not recreate Ravel’s suite, rather they utilize the Baroque-inspired material as a starting place for their own compositions, six composed by Woeste, three by Keberle and two listed as collectively improvised. The music hints at Ravel and sometimes suggests Ravel’s underlying parameters. The CD liner notes reveal Ravel was no stranger to jazz. During a 1928 US tour, Ravel stated, […]
Dave Douglas with The Westerlies and Anwar Marshall – Little Giant Still Life – Greenleaf Music
Trumpeter Dave Douglas goes all-brassy and bold. Dave Douglas with The Westerlies and Anwar Marshall – Little Giant Still Life [TrackList follows] – Greenleaf Music GRE-CD-1058, 53:11 [10/20/17] ****: (Dave Douglas – trumpet, producer; Anwar Marshall – drums; The Westerlies: Riley Mulherkar – trumpet; Zubin Hensler – trumpet; Andy Clausen – trombone; Willem de Koch – trombone) There are few trumpeters who would attempt an all-brass music project. Dave Douglas is that kind of musician. In 2009 Douglas released the debut of Brass Ecstasy, an ensemble which included a French horn, trombone, tuba, trumpet and one drummer. The nature of that work continues to stimulate Douglas. He’s returned to a similar pathway with the 53-minute Little Giant Still Life, which features Douglas on trumpet; drummer Anwar Marshall (who is part of Philadelphia’s Fresh Cut Orchestra) and The Westerlies (a former Seattle quartet now based in NYC) which consists of trumpeters Riley Mulherkar and Zubin Hensler, and trombonists Andy Clausen and Willem de Koch. The Westerlies have issued two albums (their sophomore outing was a tribute to fellow Seattleite Wayne Horvitz) and have collaborated with roots/Americana band Fleet Foxes. Many of Douglas’ 12 originals on Little Giant Still Life (including the […]
Ed Neumeister & his NeuHat Ensemble – Wake Up Call – MeisteroMusic
Ed Neumeister & his NeuHat Ensemble – Wake Up Call [Tracklist and Performing Artists follow] – MeisteroMusic 0017, 67:13 [7/15/17] ****: Modern, large ensemble jazz from an under appreciated composer/conductor. Don’t use the term big band jazz when it comes to arranger/conductor and trombonist Ed Neumeister. True, he utilizes many musicians on his self-released and fan-funded album, Wake Up Call. Twenty, to be exact (including Neumeister). This is modern, forward-veering large ensemble jazz in the same context as fellow conductor’s Michael Gibbs, Maria Schneider or Gil Evans. Think of the NDR Big Band as another likeminded large ensemble. Neumeister is a veteran of major big bands of the 1980s including the Duke Ellington Orchestra led by Mercer Ellington; Lionel Hampton; Buddy Rich; and Gerry Mulligan. He was a student of Bob Brookmeyer. And he was part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra) from 1981 to 1999. The 67-minute Wake Up Call is Neumeister’s first studio recording with the NeuHat Ensemble. He formed a different version of the NeuHat Ensemble in 1983, and has previously written for the group, but Wake Up Call marks the debut of both Neumeister and his NeuHat Ensemble together on a […]
Sherman Irby & Momentum – Cerulean Canvas – Black Warriors Records
Sherman Irby & Momentum – Cerulean Canvas – Black Warriors Records BWR 1006 – 76:20 – ****1/2 <Street Date – 10/20/17> Flat out great…! (Sherman Irby – alto sax; Vincent Gardner – trombone; Eric Reed – piano; Gerald Cannon – bass; Willie Jones III – drums; Elliott Mason – trombone (#3, 4, 5); Wynton Marsalis – trumpet (#8, 10 ) It’s not often when a CD on first listen just reaches out and grabs you. There usually is a track or two where the listening experience weakens a bit. The new CD from Sherman Irby and his band, Momentum, is that rare CD with no flaws or filler. Cerulean Canvas, is Irby’s fifth issue for his label, Black Warriors Records. It honors many of Sherman’s band mates, and it does it with class, soul, and first class presentation. Irby’s present band, Momentum, is made up of trombonist, Vincent Gardner, pianist Eric Reed, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer, Willie Jones III. Irby is the lead alto saxophonist for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Its leader, Wynton Marsallis, plays on two tracks. Guest trombonist, Elliott Mason, is also from JLCO, as is Gardner. Eric Reed also spent time with Marsalis. Bassist Cannon seems […]
Steve Davis – Think Ahead – Smoke Sessions Records
Steve Davis – Think Ahead – Smoke Sessions Records #SSR 1704 – 75:34 – ****: Steve Davis comes through again on Think Ahead… (Steve Davis – trombone; Steve Wilson – alto and soprano sax, flute; Jimmy Greene – tenor sax; Larry Willis – piano; Peter Washington – bass; Lewis Nash – drums) Trombonist, Steve Davis, mentions in the liner notes of his new CD, Think Ahead, that he is a big baseball and basketball fan. It is apropos then to use baseball terms to describe Davis as a clutch hitter. You know that your clutch hitter will be both dependable, and can handle most any situation. Steve Davis is rock solid both as a band leader (he is nearing twenty titles) and absolute first choice trombone sideman. He is a founding member of the super group, One For All, and also a professor at the Hartt Music School at the University of Hartford. On his latest CD, Steve has assembled a who’s who of veteran jazz super stars (all clutch hitters) to help back his musical vision. The front line features Steve Wilson on alto and soprano sax and flute, and Jimmy Greene on tenor sax. The rhythm section of […]
![Nick Finzer – Hear & Now [TrackList follows] – Outside in Music](https://www.audaud.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Finzer-front.jpg)
Nick Finzer – Hear & Now [TrackList follows] – Outside in Music
Nick Finzer – Hear & Now [TrackList follows] – Outside in Music OiM1701, 57:19 [2/17/17] ****: Trombone in the here and now. (Nick Finzer – trombone, co-producer; Lucas Pino – tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Alex Wintz – guitar; Glenn Zaleski – piano; Dave Baron – bass; Jimmy Macbride – drums) Trombonist Nick Finzer’s third release, Hear & Now, is a notable jazz album. First, it introduces Finzer’s new sextet, also dubbed Hear & Now. Second, it confirms trombones are masterful jazz instruments and trombonists continue to be dynamic jazz group leaders and composers: think Trombone Shorty, the members of New Orleans’ band Bonerama and Robin Eubanks. Third, the socio-political elements which flit through the hour-long Hear & Now resonate loud and clear in a time of turmoil, confusion, hatred and conflict: Hear & Now reinforces the idea that instrumental jazz music should, when possible, have connections to all our lives: not just musical but political, emotional and so on. All but one of the nine tracks are Finzer originals (there is one cover by Duke Ellington). Finzer starts with the initial single, “We the People.” The tune’s sentiment mirrors a quote by Indian philosopher, speaker and writer Jiddu Krishnamurti—the quote […]
David HARRIS, trombone – Blues I Felt – DLEE
David HARRIS – Blues I Felt – DLEE, 64:02, (3/17/17) ***: (David Harris; trombone and vocals/ Shea Pierre; piano/ Jason Weaver; bass/ Miles Labat; drums) An outstanding trombonist with a blues sensibility and vocal talent. The instrument that achieved the greatest liberation in the first era of 20th century jazz was the trombone. Up until the innovations of Dixieland, the trombone had been a model of sobriety, ponderously holding down the low register in band and orchestral music. Suddenly, through a convergence of musical traditions in and around New Orleans circa 1900-1920, the trombone found a new voice (aided considerably by the use of the plunger mute), becoming wildly celebratory, mischievous, and imbued with the vocal inflextions of the blues. While the trombone would find its place in modern jazz, it would never again enjoy such royal prestige. It is to this golden age of blues trombone jazz that David Harris takes us in his fine debut CD “Blues I Felt.” The boisterous growls of Miff Mole and the buttery glissandos of Kid Ory and Higginbotham are referenced throughout as Harris adapts the earlier style to a more conventional modern jazz quartet concept. Harris’ bandmates are talented young products of […]
Mark Dresser Seven – Sedimental You – Trem Azul/Clean Feed
A timely jazz treatise of current events (and more). Mark Dresser Seven – Sedimental You [TrackList follows] – Trem Azul/Clean Feed CF385CD, 67:17 [12/9/16] ****: (Nicole Mitchell – soprano and alto flute; Michael Dessen – trombone; Marty Ehrlich – clarinet, bass clarinet; David Morales Boroff – violin; Joshua White – piano; Jim Black – drums, percussion; Mark Dresser – contrabass) Contrabassist Mark Dresser is a luminary in forward-thinking jazz. For ten years, he performed with the Anthony Braxton Quartet, and has worked with Anthony Davis, Jane Ira Bloom, Tim Berne, John Zorn and scores of others. As a leader, he has released close to 15 recordings and done numerous other projects, which include new music for classic films, theater productions, commissioned performances, and he’s been on progressive jazz/improvisation labels such as Clean Feed, Tzadik, Cryptogramophone and more. Dresser’s latest is the 67-minute, seven-track Sedimental You, which showcases his septet: Dresser on contrabass; drummer Jim Black; trombonist Michael Dessen; violinist David Morales Boroff; clarinetist Marty Ehrlich; pianist Joshua White; and flutist Nicole Mitchell. Two things are paramount throughout Sedimental You. This is music conceived specifically for the seven instrumentalists, who bring substantial contributions and inventiveness. The other is the overt political […]
Mary Halvorson Octet – Away With You – Firehouse
Guitarist Mary Halvorson expands her band and her compositional strengths. Mary Halvorson Octet – Away With You [TrackList follows] – Firehouse 12 FH12-04-01-024, 55:53 [10/28/16] ****: (Jonathan Finlayson – trumpet; Jon Irabagon – alto saxophone; Ingrid Laubrock – tenor saxophone; Jacob Garchik – trombone; Mary Halvorson – guitar; Susan Alcorn – pedal steel guitar; John Hébert – bass; Ches Smith – drums) There’s freedom tension, dynamics, visceral improvisation and a varied stretch of jazz on the nearly-hour long Away With You, from guitarist Mary Halvorson and her innovative octet. Those who have been following Halvorson’s ascension in the modern jazz scene—she’s spent time with Anthony Braxton, Marc Ribot, Taylor Ho Bynum, Ingrid Laubrock, plus others—can attest that no matter the setting, (whether solo guitar, leading her own band, or performing with other musicians) Halvorson brings her unique style, restless creativity and artistic nonconformity to everything she does. Halvorson’s eight original tracks which make up Away With You share an edginess, a way of bending jazz parameters into contrasts which are shaped into distinctively stimulating compositions. Those hoping for a guitar-heavy approach may be disappointed. Yes, guitar is ever-present, but Halvorson maintains an ensemble sound throughout, where the electric guitar is […]
Andrea Claburn, vocals – Nightshade
Andrea Claburn – Nightshade – [Distr. by CD Baby], 52:07 ***: A high calibre of creativity. (Andrea Claburn – vocals; Matt Clark – piano & Fender Rhodes; Sam Bevan – acoustic & electric bass; Alan Hall – drums; John Santos – percussion; Terrence Brewer – acoustic & electric guitars; Erik Jekabson – trumpet & flugelhorn; Kasey Knudson – alto saxophone; Teddy Raven – tenor saxophone; Rob Ewing – trombone; Mads Tolling – violin & viola; Joseph Hébert – cello) Andrea Claburn, with her debut self-produced album Nightshade, has decided to “tilt at windmills”. But unlike Don Quixote, who mistakenly thought windmills were giants, Claburn is embarking on the long road to success. To complete the Quixote analogy, as described in the 1964 musical Man From La Mancha, she will “dream the impossible dream”. In her case, it might very well come true. Starting with a strong musical education, as well as a grounded and assured voice, Claburn uses these talents to explore a collection of original pieces, along with some covers from the jazz repertoire. While one might quibble with the inventiveness and sophistication of her own compositions, she is at home with her other choices. The opening track, “Lionheart”, […]
Eyolf Dale – Wolf Valley – Edition
Eyolf Dale – Wolf Valley – Edition 1073, 51:28 (6/10/16) ****½: (Eyolf Dale: piano/ Per Zanussi: bass & saw/ Gard Nilssen; drums/ Andre Roligheten: tenor sax, clarinet/ Hayden Powell: trumpet/ Kristoffer Kompen: trombone/ Rob Waring: vibraphone/ Adrian Loseth Waade: violin) Inspired chamber-jazz octet on a cohesive set of original compositions by leader Eyolf Dale. The number eight, so auspicious for the ancient Chinese, has pleasant association for me as well. There is the brainy pelagic mollusc of eight arms, the month of October, the stout pawns lined up on the second rank. There might be some redundancy involved, as we we see in Mendelssohn’s marvelous Octet, compounded of two string quartets. Yet the other chamber masterpiece by Schubert suggests the principle of ampleness and generosity, a perfect garden party of all available personality types. In a Jazz ensemble, the number is especially lucky for the front line. There are no hard choices between the instruments; all can play. Thus, I was especially happy to see an octet offering by Edition Records, a label that has recently scored a very big hit on this site. The recording under review, led by Norwegian pianist/composer Eyolf Dale, carries the bilingually eponymous title Wolf […]
Michael Dease – All These Hands – PosiTone
An historical jazz journey from Michael Dease… Michael Dease – All These Hands – PosiTone PR8160, 65:53 (1/6/17) ****: (Michael Dease – trombone; Renee Rosnes – piano; Steve Wilson – flute, alto sax, soprano sax; Etienne Charles – trumpet & flugelhorn; Randy Napoleon – guitar; Gerald Cannon – bass; Rodney Whitaker – bass; Lewis Nash – drums; With special guests: Jason Hainsworth – tenor sax (#7); Diego Rivera – tenor sax (#7); Rufus Reid – bass (#11); Dan Pratt – tenor sax (#11) Michael Dease has helped revitalized the trombone as a lead instrument on recorded jazz ensembles. His fluid delivery and burnished tone brings to mind J. J. Johnson, and Dease has had a rapid rise on the jazz scene. His fourth session for PosiTone Records, set to be released early next month explores the major jazz destinations in which jazz took root. It’s a journey that began in the deep south and migrated to northern urban centers following the search for upward mobility and social freedom. Recorded on mostly quintet and trio formats, Michael composed all the compositions and they celebrate the development of the jazz form with its strong influence from the blues, both urban and rural. […]
Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra – Make America Great Again – Troubadour Jazz
New Orleans jazz – helping to “make America great again?”… Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra – Make America Great Again – Troubadour Jazz TJR103016, 62:48 (9/16/16) ****: (Delfeayo Marsalis – trombone; Khari Allen Lee – alto & soprano sax; Jeronne Ansari – alto sax; Roderick Paulin – tenor & alto sax; Gregory Agid – clarinet & tenor sax; Scott Johnson – tenor & baritone sax; Roger Lewis – baritone sax; Terrance Taplin, Charles Williams, Jeffery Miller, T. J. Norris, Maurice Trosclair – trombones; Andrew Baham, Scott Frock, Dr. Brice Miller, John Gray, Jamelle Williams – trumpets; Kyle Roussell – piano; Meghan Swartz – piano; David Pulphus – bass. With special guests – Dee-1 – rap; Cynthia Liggins Thomas – vocal; Wendell Pierce – narration; Branford Marsalis – tenor sax; Victor Goines – tenor sax; Oliver Bonie – baritone sax; John Culbreth – trumpet; Jeff Albert – bass trombone; Uptown Music Theatre Choir – Cynthia Liggins Thomas, Tara Alexander, Ebon George, Jazmine Piper-Marsalis, Kiya Henderson, Justice Smith, Celeste Metoyer, Hillary Vaucresson) Jazz artists are not typically political junkies, with some notable exceptions, i.e Bob Brookmeyer, and Charlie Haden. However, many jazz musicians have keen hip observational skills in finding […]
Jason Roebke Octet – Cinema Spiral – NoBusiness
Unpredictable, Chicago-styled ensemble improvisation and composition. Jason Roebke Octet – Cinema Spiral [TrackList Follows] – NoBusiness NBCD 86, 52:39 [9/16/16] ****: (Greg Ward – alto saxophone; Keefe Jackson – tenor and sopranino saxophone, contrabass clarinet; Jason Stein – bass clarinet; Josh Berman – trumpet; Jeb Bishop – trombone; Jason Adasiewicz – vibraphone; Jason Roebke – bass; Mike Reed – drums) Listening to Chicago-based bassist Jason Roebke’s sophomore octet album, Cinema Spiral, is like reading an interconnected short story collection (think Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles, for example). That’s because Roebke’s seven linked pieces share commonality, and flow from tune to tune. The film-inclined title is also reflected in the music and track titles, such as the opener, “Looking Directly into the Camera,” “Focusing” and others. Like much of his Chicago jazz compatriots, Roebke pens forward-gazing jazz with a modernist viewpoint. The sizeable line-up plus the intensely dynamic arrangements provide a Mingus-esque style. Roebke wrote his long-form opus with his group in mind, which comprises some of Chicago’s notable jazz artists: alto saxophonist Greg Ward; Keefe Jackson (on tenor and sopranino saxophone, as well as contrabass clarinet); bass clarinetist Jason Stein; trumpeter Josh Berman; trombonist Jeb Bishop; vibraphonist Jason Adasiewicz; and drummer […]
Steve Turre – Colors For The Masters – Smoke Sessions
Steve Turre – Colors For The Masters – Smoke Sessions SSR-1606, 60:51 ****: A group of jazz professionals developing a thoughtful rapport in an attractive uncluttered session. (Steve Turre – trombone & shells; Kenny Barron – piano; Ron Carter – bass; Jimmy Cobb – drums; Special guests: Javon Jackson – tenor saxophone, tracks 1/3/4/6; Cyro Baptista – percussion, track 10) Steve Turre knew he was going to have good day when he woke up on February 25, 2016. He was going into the recording studio to cut an album with an iconic jazz rhythm section. The ever tasty pianist Kenny Barron, the impeccable bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Jimmy Cobb who at eighty-seven was the only surviving member of the Miles Davis band that recorded the consummate jazz album Kind Of Blue in 1959. By the end of the day, Turre would not have been disappointed, as the album Colors For The Masters has turned out to be the perfect example of a group of jazz professionals developing a thoughtful rapport, in an attractive uncluttered session. The music for this “live” recorded session is a deft combination of Turre originals, and other compositions from some well-known jazz players, as well […]
Ronnie Cuber – Cuber Libre / Sam Jones – Changes and Things – both Elemental/Xanadu
Two more Xanadu reissues of note. Ronnie Cuber – Cuber Libre – Elemental/Xanadu 90607, 52:48 (1976) ****: (Ronnie Cuber – baritone sax) Sam Jones – Changes and Things – Elemental/Xanadu 906088, 41:58 (1977) ****:) (Sam Jones – bass; Blue Mitchell – trumpet; Slide Hampton – trombone; Bob Berg – tenor sax; Barry Harris – piano; Louis Hayes – drums) At the time that Cuber Libre was issued, Ronnie Cuber was 34 years old, and this was his debut as a leader. He was a sideman, and cut his teeth playing baritone sax for pop legends such as Aretha, Clapton, Steely Dan, and Dr. John. He continues to go strong today and his rock solid baritone anchors the tribute Mingus Big Band. Ronnie is noted for his big throaty baritone timbre and it is put to good use on an extended “Star Eyes.” It’s off to the races on”Rifftide” with Barry Harris quoting “Lady Be Good.” “Sudwest Funk” is a double-time 12 bar blues. Donald Byrd wrote this track and it’s fun to compare it to Byrd’s recorded version that featured Pepper Adams on baritone. Sam Jones’ Changes and Things from 1977 come highly recommended as it has a dream front […]
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
