Eli Howell: Steps Taken

Picture this: Having assembled a supporting cast, finalized the playlist and booked a studio, you are ready to make the debut recording as leader of your own ensemble, only to learn that, hours earlier, said studio in East Lansing, Michigan, had been devastated by a tornado. That is  exactly what happened to trombonist Eli Howell in May 2025. Fortunately, thanks to some quick thinking and deft maneuvering by album producer Michael Dease and others, a room was found at Howell's alma mater, Michigan State University, and the recording session went on as planned, without the usual isolation or overdubs, thus providing the sort of immediacy that was the norm in early-day studio sessions.

It was not the first time that Howell had faced and overcome adversity. In 2023, he was diagnosed with focal dystonia, a neurological movement disorder that forced him to stop playing trombone for a year. Once past that, he saddled up again and was looking forward to recording with his sextet when the studio abruptly disappeared. Undaunted, Howell and his companions changed the location and started anew. The result of their efforts is a rather mixed bag whose several highlights serve to overshadow those moments that are less engaging.

The session shines brightest on the standard "Alone Together," bassist Rodney Whitaker's well-grooved "For Garrison," Howell's high-stepping "One for Steve" (for fellow trombonist Steve Davis), the graceful "Dear Helen" (written for his great-grandmother), and Raul De Souza's rollicking finale, "A Vontade Mesmo." Howell's valve trombone duel with Dease on "A Vontade Mesmo" is especially impressive, as are Sharel Cassity's exquisite flute work on "One for Helen" and the snug group dynamics on "Alone Together" and "One for Steve," with incisive solos by Howell, Cassity, Whitaker, pianist Xavier Davis and trumpeter Brian Lynch, an added bonus.

There were two recording sessions, three days apart, with alto saxophonist Thomas Noble, pianist Miki Hayama, bassist Langston Kitchen and drummer Colleen Clark replacing the core group on "A Clear Day" and "A Vontade Mesmo." Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon makes a guest appearance on his composition "I Remember Al" (a tribute to the late trombonist Al Grey), trying his best (and largely succeeding) with voice, mutes and other effects to make the trombone sound like anything but a trombone. Howell shares center stage with Lynch and alto Cassity on the album's nimble opening number, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's "Matchmaker," from the Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof.

As noted, an album whose high points readily outweigh any lesser moments, and one that is definitely worth your time and consideration.