Jazz Articles about Scott Whitfield

Scott Whitfield: Speaking of Love

by Jim Santella
February 9, 2007

Coated with sugar and filled with swing, Speaking of Love offers a blast from the past as Scott Whitfield scat sings with the enthusiasm of Mel Tormé, introduces a vocal quartet that recalls the Four Freshmen, teams with guest artists Cheryl Bentyne, Bucky Pizzarelli, Marvin Stamm, Memo Acevedo and Scott Robinson, and adds lovely trombone melodies to enhance the romance.

Through original songs and memorable standards, Whitfield brings an upbeat message of good cheer to the forum. His ...

Scott Whitfield Quintet Featuring Bob Florence: Live at Charlie O's

by Jack Bowers
October 5, 2006

Besides leading two big bands, one on either coast, trombonist Scott Whitfield has put together a killer quintet that gigs regularly in the Los Angeles area and whose energy and enthusiasm come through loud and clear on this enjoyable concert date taped at Charlie O's nightclub in North Hollywood.

Whitfield's special guest on this happy occasion is another bandleader of note, Bob Florence, who divides time at the keyboard (four tracks apiece) with John Rangel. In terms of technique, tastefulness ...

Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra East: Diamonds for Nat

by Jack Bowers
April 3, 2006

Throughout much of his musical career, trumpeter Nat Adderley was overshadowed by his larger-than-life sibling, the legendary alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball Adderley. But Nat was a giant in his own right, not only as a player but also as a composer. (Does “Work Song ring a bell?) Nat also went out of his way to nurture younger musicians, among whom was trombonist Scott Whitfield. “Nat was my friend, my mentor, says Whitfield, “and truly a model to which we should ...

Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra East: Diamonds for Nat

by Jim Santella
December 27, 2005

Nat Adderley gave us music that has feeling. It reaches deep inside and touches something. As former members of his sextet, Scott Whitfield and Vincent Herring honor the trumpeter and composer with this session of lively big band arrangements. “Work Song and “Jive Samba may be Adderley's greatest songs, but Diamonds for Nat offers much lot more. How can we ever forget the wit and the unique manner with which Nat Adderley could interpret a tune?

Howard Johnson ...

Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra West: The Minute Game

by Jack Bowers
May 1, 2005

If I had to choose between trombonist Scott Whitfield's Jazz Orchestra East and Jazz Orchestra West--well, I'd probably go off the deep end before I could make up my mind, or what was left of it. I loved the SWJO East's Live at Birdland (Summit, 2004), and now comes the SWJO West to blow me away with the first 28 minutes of The Minute Game.

Why the first 28? Well, that's a matter of personal taste, and isn't meant to ...

The Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra East: Live at Birdland

by Jack Bowers
May 24, 2004

Note to myself: file this album under “P” for “Pleasant Surprises.” I must confess that I knew nothing about Scott Whitfield except that he plays trombone, so I had no idea what to expect from his Jazz Orchestra East, whose concert performance at New York City’s Birdland night spot was recorded on Whitfield’s fortieth birthday, March 10, 2003. What I got was far more than anticipated or even bargained for—better than an hour of exhilarating deep-in-the-pocket contemporary jazz by an ...

Scott Whitfield Jazz Orchestra East: Live at Birdland

by Jim Santella
April 4, 2004

His featured solo on 'Laura' gives you a pretty good idea of what trombonist Scott Whitfield is all about. With a polished tone and fluid technique, he interprets the lovely ballad with care and a natural ease. His effective use of the instrument's upper register stands out as a tool for the display of his lyrical side. The trombone, after all, makes a perfect partner for sharing a love of pure melody. Slow and easy, the familiar tune wafts over ...