His two big band albums are terrific. Now trombonist John Fedchock leads a quartet on a session that incorporates ballads with up-tempo romps and fresh originals with existing compositions. Three tracks add trumpet and tenor saxophone for a larger sound. The title track comes from Fedchock's vast experience, placing a big band chart in the hands of a sextet. Driving with a hard-nosed direction, the sextet covers the territory well. Kenny Barron's "Twilight" stands out as another high point of the album, with Fedchock's buttery trombone tone pushing a deliberate tempo. In 3/4 time, "Giant Steps" runs amok like a busy, intellectually occupied parody of "My Favorite Things." "Brazilian Fantasy" lays it out gently like a walk on the beach, while Fedchock's "Cool Customer," another session high point, lets loose with a Count Basie big band swing. Never one to pull any punches, John Fedchock has made a subtle change in direction while keeping the central focus of his music at its trombone-lover's best.
Track Listing
This Just In, Moon Alley, Step En Trois (Giant Steps), Twilight, Hit The Bricks, Cool Customer, I?m Thru With Love, Empty Promises, Brazilian Fantasy
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues,The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.