Jazz Articles about Altin Sencalar

About Altin Sencalar

Radio & Podcasts

Hailed by Stereophile Magazine for “sounding like the 21st-century grandchildren of JJ Johnson and Kai Winding" and praised by the International Trombone Associations Journal for his “virtuosity and melodic and harmonic mastery," Altin Sencalar is in high demand across the country as a performer, educator, and composer. We caught Altin on tour in support of his 2025 release Unleashed. Featuring Altin on trombone, Matt Twaddle on piano, Leland Nelson on bass and Sofia Goodman on drums, and from ...

Radio & Podcasts

New Music From Altin Sencalar, Tyshawn Sorey, The Phoenix Trio And More

by Bob Osborne
June 25, 2026

This playlist maps a fascinating journey through the global landscape of modern jazz, effortlessly balancing vibrant tradition with daring exploration. Rich Afro-Cuban rhythms and soulful hard-bop grooves sit comfortably alongside cerebral avant-garde structures and cinematic, atmospheric textures. Moving seamlessly from intimate, reflective piano melodies to expansive, free-flowing improvisations, the collection showcases a diverse mix of established label releases and raw, self-released gems. Ultimately, it serves as a captivating celebration of the genre's defining feature: the exquisite tension between structured composition ...

Album Review

Altin Sencalar: Natural Rhythm

Read "Natural Rhythm" reviewed by Andrew Schinder

by Andrew Schinder
May 28, 2026

Rising trombonist Altin Sencalar has positioned himself at the top of a new generation of trombone virtuosos. The trombone may not have the widespread popularity of its brass brethren, but is nevertheless a deeply compelling and versatile instrument. Sencalar has, over the past decade, proven himself as one of the instrument's finest practitioners. Having studied with, and then worked for, trombone star Michael Dease, he combines deep respect for the instrument's legacy with a raw need to muscle it into a ...

Liner Notes

Something Blue: In The Beginning

by Michael Ambrosino
July 11, 2025

Jazz is powered by many things. Perhaps most notably, the expansive variety of independent record labels representing some of the more inspiring aspirations of the idiom. Reflecting the grit, passion and often sheer audacity to exist within an industry that makes little room for jazz, independent labels have established an expanse of music that exemplifies the very essence of the art form. For the past 30 years, Posi-Tone Records has championed this independent spirit, shining a light on a rich ...

Liner Notes

Altin Sencalar: Unleashed

by C. Andrew Hovan
April 19, 2025

Often overshadowed by other solo instruments, the trombone boasts a rich history in jazz--one so vast it could fill volumes. New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, also gave rise to Kid Ory, a pioneer of the “tailgate" style of trombone playing. In the early 1900s, bandleaders often promoted their shows by parading through town on horse-drawn wagons. Trombonists, needing space to extend their instrument's slide, would sit at the back on the open tailgate, projecting their bold, brassy sound into ...

Liner Notes

Altin Sencalar: Unleashed

by Altin Sencalar
February 23, 2025

Unleashed is an album that captures my overall headspace as an individual. This year I turned 30 years old and welcomed my firstborn child into the world, John Altin Sencalar. Two major milestones in any person's life, but especially mine this year. Unleashed represents my playing, my personality, and my overall attitude towards my career development. When thinking about this album, I take many chances that I would not have done in the past specifically playing the trombone in an ...

Album Review

Altin Sencalar: In Good Standing

Read "In Good Standing" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
June 29, 2023

In many ways, In Good Standing is a jazz aficionado's dream. Trombonist, composer, and arranger Altin Sencalar's inaugural disc as a leader for Posi-Tone encourages granular, analytical consideration. It is worthwhile to pause and think about the details of inspired performances, ponder the efficacy of Sencalar's original compositions and interpretations of gems penned by jazz giants, and contemplate the numerous examples of his band's esprit de corps. Conversely, it would be a shame to only concentrate on these things and ...