Jazz / Post-Bop, Hard Bop
Recorded: September 30 & October 1, 2006, Avatar Studio C, New York City
John Fedchock leader, arranger, trombone
Mark Vinci alto saxophone
Charles Pillow alto saxophone, soprano sax, bass clarinet
Rich Perry tenor saxophone
Rick Margitza tenor saxophone
Gary Smulyan baritone saxophone
Tony Kadleck trumpet, flugelhorn
Craig Johnson trumpet, flugelhorn
Scott Wendholt trumpet, flugelhorn (tracks 1, 3, 5, 7, 10)
Kerry MacKillop trumpet, flugelhorn (tracks 2,4, 6, 8, 9)
Barry Ries trumpet, flugelhorn
John Fedchock trombone
Keith O'Quinn trombone
Steve Davis trombone (tracks 1, 2, 6, 8, 10)
Marshall Gilkes trombone (tracks 3, 4, 5, 7, 9)
George Flynn bass trombone, tuba
Allen Farnham piano
Lynn Seaton bass (tracks 3, 4, 5, 7, 9)
Dick Sarpola bass (tracks 1, 2, 6, 8, 10)
Dave Ratajczak drums
Bobby Sanabria congas, timbales, guiro,
cowbell (track 3 only)
Kim Scharnberg production assistance
Recording Engineer: Paul Wickliffe
Assistant Engineer: Justin Gerrish
Mixed by Paul Wickliffe at Skyline Productions, Warren, NJ
Mastered by: Allan Tucker, Foothill Digital, New York City
Photography (John Fedchock): Abigail Feldman
Design & session photography: B.Robert Johnson
Producer: John Fedchock
Executive Producers: Mark & Kayla Feldmann
The John Fedchock New York Big Band is an exception in the 21st century, a big band that has lasted for an extended period with nearly all of its original members. Back in 1989, trombonist John Fedchock recruited some of the most talented session players in New York City for his large ensemble, though they were relative unknowns at the time. Over a period of years and a number of recordings together, the band has turned into somewhat of an institution, thanks to both the outstanding musicianship and the leader's impressive charts. Fedchock reharmonized the standard "Embraceable You" while keeping it accessible, bringing new life to an old warhorse. Shifting John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice" into a Latin setting (with able assistance from Bobby Sanabria on timbales) is also a distinctive detour from typical arrangements. Fedchock's originals merit equal attention to his settings of others' compositions. The lively "J Birds" is a fun feature for the leader and fellow trombonist Steve Davis. "Elvin's Empire" salutes the legendary Elvin Jones in a powerful post-bop tribute to the late drummer. Finally, "The Ariztocrat" is a playful salute to Fedchock's former boss, the late Woody Herman; this mid-tempo swinger would have pleased the bandleader. It includes delightful solos by bassist Lynn Seaton, baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan and the composer. ~ Ken Dryden, 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 |
