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Some Skunk Funk by Michael Dease

From the album

Album Title: MSU Jazz Trombones: Spartan Strong
Label: Origin Records
Released: 2026

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About the Album

Much in the way Michael Dease has defined the state-of-the-art for jazz trombone over the last two decades, his effectiveness in shaping the next generation of players also requires inspired superlatives. A 2025 Guggenheim Fellow, and Distinguished Professor in Rodney Whitaker’s renowned Jazz Department at Michigan State University, Dease has been central to fostering MSU’s reputation as a thriving center of creative musical development. “Spartan Strong,” while possibly implying a football cheer, in this case reflects the powerful musical instincts, exhilarating orchestrations, and uninhibited improvisational prowess of these 18 members of his teaching studio. Along with the rhythm section of Xavier Davis, Jared Beckstead-Craan, and Keith Hall, the ensemble tackles arrangements of several originals, and old & new standards, while stylistically spanning Afro-Cuban grooves, lush trombone choir passages, and unabashed swing. The future, as witnessed here, is in fine hands.

Tracks

Huesos Con Clave; Remembrance; Evidence; Frame for the Blues; Some Skunk Funk; It Could Happen to You; The Nearness of You; Song of Those Who Seek; 'Round Midnight; Groove Blues; Alfitude; Blues After Dark; Spartan Strong; Blues After Dark; Spartan Strong; Blues in the Closet.

Personnel

Michael Dease

trombone

Additional Personnel

Daniel Bear: trombone; Aidan Clark: trombone; Hannah Davies: trombone; Michael Dease: trombone; Judah Guerra: trombone; Nanami Haruta: trombone; Eli Howell: trombone; Drew Kilpela: trombone; Andrew Kim: trombone; Pablo Muller-Santiago: trombone; Dan Parrish: trombone; Altin Sencalar: trombone; Bridgette Setters: trombone; Jack Trathen: trombone; Miles Cole: trombone; Charles Scanlon: trombone; Ken Thompkins: trombone; Kyle Quick: bass trombone; Gina Benalcázar-López: bass trombone; Wyatt Forhan: bass trombone; Charles Grace Jr.: bass trombone; Chris Glassman: bass trombone; Xavier Davis: piano; Jared Beckstead-Craan: bass; Keith Hall: drums; Benny Benack III: vocals; Ethan Frank: piano; Reuben Stump: bass; Randy Gelispie: drums; Brian Allen: drums; Sharel Cassity: alto saxophone.

Date featured

February 9, 2026

This song appears by permission of the contributing artist and/or record company. It is for personal use only; no other rights are granted or implied.