Trombocalist Big Band: The Vigil and the Sleeping Giant

Even those whose batting averages are high are not immune from life's unforeseen and often disastrous curve balls. Low-brass multi-instrumentalist Ron Wilkins, riding the wave as a successful musician and bandleader, learned that the hard way when he was struck by Covid in 2020 and spent more than a month in a medically induced coma with the outcome clearly in doubt.

As it turns out, fortune smiled on Wilkins, and after relearning such basics as breathing normally, walking, talking and eating on his own, he was able to resume his career. But the experience left its mark, and he was determined to surmount it in the best way he knew how: through music. Hence the first four tracks on his new big-band recording, The Vigil and the Sleeping Giant, are devoted to Wilkins' inspiring Covid Suite, which invites the listener to share indirectly his torturous odyssey and know that happy endings are sometimes possible.

Wilkins co-leads the uniquely (yet aptly) named Trombocalist Big Band with fellow multi-instrumentalist Rebecca Patterson who plays bass trombone and tuba on the album and also wrote and arranged three of its eight kaleidoscopic themes. The Covid Suite opens with "Big City Livin,'" a prelude to Wilkins' illness, scans his "Comatose Dreams and Hallucinations," celebrates "Awaken and Alleluia," and comes to rest with "The Sleeper Has Awakened," on which Wilkins scats and uses other vocal techniques to express his emotions. He solos as well on tenor trombone to compass perceptive statements by alto saxophonist Aaron Heick, trumpeter Freddie Hendrix, guitarist Jeff Barone and drummer Ray Marchica.

Patterson takes charge with the softly meditative "Sulk City," which recalls her experience being on the outside looking in during Wilkins' near-fatal illness, the beguiling "Near East" (featuring bassist Boris Kozlov and Zac Zinger on the seldom-heard bansuri) and lyrical "Waltz Someday," dedicated to the courageous woman who once donated a life-saving kidney to Wilkins. Marchica, trumpeter Seneca Black and (electric) pianist Mike King solo on "Sulk City," Barone, trombonist Ed Neumeister, trumpeter Alex Norris and baritone Carl Maraghi on "Waltz Someday." Wilkins has the last hurrah, neatly wrapping the package with the sleek and powerful "Like a Brother," on which he solos with King and tenor Ron Blake.

Wilkins has turned a number of arduous corners since his tense and harrowing encounter with Covid, with more trials yet to come. However, if Vigil and the Sleeping Giant can be taken as a measure of growth, he is definitely on an upward road to better health and durable well-being. As to the album, it is exemplary with or without its reassuring message.