Jazz
Digital Recording September 18 & 19, 1992 at Skyline Studios, NYC
John Fedchock - Leader, Arranger, Trombone
Mark Vinci - Alto Saxophone
Jon Gordon - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Rich Perry - Tenor Saxophone
Rick Margitza - Tenor Saxophone
Scott Robinson - Baritone Saxophone
Tony Kadleck - Trumpet, Fluegelhorn
Greg Gisbert - Trumpet, Fluegelhorn
Barry Ries - Trumpet, Fluegelhorn
Tim Hagans - Trumpet, Fluegelhorn
Keith O'Quinn - Trombone
Clark Gayton - Trombone
George Flynn - Trombone
Joel Weiskopf - Piano
Lynn Seaton - Bass
Dave Ratajczak - Drums
Jerry Gonzalez - Percussion
John Fedchock is best-known as a former trombonist and occasional arranger with Woody Herman's orchestra, but the release of this "Reservoir" set should also give him a reputation as an important big-band leader in his own right. Fedchock, who provided arrangements for all 11 selections (six jazz standards and five of his originals), gathered together quite an interesting variety of jazzmen for this date. Included among the personnel are many players who have led sessions of their own, including altoist Jon Gordon, Rick Margitza and Rich Perry on tenors, baritonist Scott Robinson, trumpeter Tim Hagans, and (on three numbers) percussionist Jerry Gonzalez. Fedchock's arrangements give his big band a unified group sound and leave plenty of room for the soloists. Among the highlights are a race through "Limehouse Blues" (which has a torrid tenor-baritone tradeoff by Perry and Robinson), a thoughtful feature for Tim Hagans on "Nefertiti," the heated tenor of Rick Margitza on "Caravan," altoist Mark Vinci's showcase on "My Foolish Heart," and the leader's many colorful trombone solos. This straight-ahead set (which also includes Fedchock's "Blues Du Jour," the calypso feel of "Louie's Cheese Party," and a slightly demented romp on the "Flintstones Theme" that is retitled "Flintstoned") is consistently swinging, enjoyable, and easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
John Fedchock
Active Decades: '90s and '00s
Born: Sep 18, 1957 in Cleveland, OH
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Big Band, Hard Bop, Post-Bop, Swing
A talented bop-based trombonist, John Fedchock is also quite notable as a big band arranger. Fedchock graduated from Ohio State University and the Eastman School Of Music. In the 1980's he spent seven years playing and touring with Woody Herman's Orchestra and, although he had chances to solo, it was his swinging charts that gained him the most attention. In addition, Fedchock toured with Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band, Louie Bellson's Big Band and Bob Belden's Ensemble among others. Fedchock has been active as a clinician (conducting seminars and workshops), a freelance soloist and a busy arrangercomposer. In 1992 he released his first recording as a leader (New York Big Band on Reservoir) which displayed both his playing and writing talents. Throughout the next six years, a steady playing schedule helped Fedchock improve his chops and develop a more distinct style, which made 1998's On the Edge a notable improvement on his previous album. Brimming with energy and excitement, the record kicked off a steady release schedule that included 2000's small group session Hit the Bricks and 2002's technically impressive No Nonsense.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
