John Fedchock: Hit The Bricks

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

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.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: October 1, 2000

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; Steps En Trois (Giant Steps); Twilight; Hit the Bricks; Cool Customer; I?m Thru with Love; Empty Promises; Brazilian Fantasy.

Personnel: John Fedchock- trombone; Scott Wendholt- trumpet; Chris Potter- tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone on "Brazilian Fantasy;" Allen Farnham- piano; Rufus Reid- bass; Dave Ratajczak- drums; Adrian D?Souza- percussion on "Brazilian Fantasy."

Record Label: Reservoir Music
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream