Customer Reviews

No Nonsense

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

John Fedchock attempts (and succeeds) within this CD to bring the trombone up out of the 2nd class stereotypes of the instrument and into the spotlight with this CD. On some solos he practically turns the trombone into a button pusher - that is, he plays many, many, notes very fast yet clean. His sound is crystal clear and sometimes I would venture to say it is a euphonium but, of course, it is his beautiful trombone tone. I had the privelege of playing with him last year, I played piano in a big band where in which he was the guest artist; he plays with such force and hits all the chord changes so seemlessly it sounds like a fully connected melody within his solo (differing from older types or less mature soloists in which solos are comprised of two, four, or eight bar phrases.
His "New York Big Band" is the perfect backup to his soloing style. A clean band can make all the difference in the world on a recording because accuracy counts, with a messy band the soloist can be covered up or simply look bad. The other featured soloists on this album, such as Allen Farmham on piano, or Rick Margitza on Tenor sax, provide nuances that only add the the album's spectacular collaboration of some of New Yorks finest musicians.
I would highly recommend this CD for those who love contemporary big band, a great brass section, incredible saxes, and either love or are pining to love the trombone as a jazz instrument.
Happy Listening!

This is a fun CD to listen to. The arrangements are great, the playing is excellent! A previous reviewer criticized the arrangements and Fedchock personally. The arrangements are a matter of taste; the personal attack is out of line. I enjoy this CD--don't let a vendetta deter you from buying it!

This guy doodles everything all the time, sounds like Bill Watrous on a bad day. Even Watrous has a great smooth ballad non-doodle style and phenomenal range. I met this guy a few times in person and he has this greater than everyone attitude...not very becoming of a true jazz musician. Nothing new here, he does not push any envelopes for me, better off with Conrad Herwig for some real playing.

One of the most boring big bands I have ever listened to.

The arrangements were made for a high school band.The trombone is the only good thing about the album.