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Bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton might be considered by many a unicorn in the world of music. In decades from the not-too-distant past, it was a rarity to even have a woman in prominent jazz bands and orchestras, but to have a bass trombone-slinging woman as leader was thought extraordinary. In 2019, Wharton presented her trombone-powered ensemble, Bonegasm, via a self-titled debut album. She enlisted fellow trombonists John Fedchock, Nate Mayland and Alan Ferber, along with the rhythm section of pianist Michael Eckroth, bassist Evan Gregor and drummer Don Peretz. Bonegasm’s new recording, “Not a Novelty,” features compositions commissioned from a variety of sources, all composers Wharton had worked with and felt a mutual level of musical simpatico that would benefit her ensemble.
“Kinetic” is the big band debut from pianist, composer, arranger, and orchestrator Steven Feifke. One of the most in-demand artists of his generation, Feifke has amassed an impressive discography, having appeared on 30 albums all before turning 30-years-old. He finally comes to the fore with music that was refined during his big band’s popular monthly residency at The Django in New York City that ran for nearly two years before COVID brought all live performances to a halt. These regular live performances afforded the band to develop a cohesive common language and solid rapport, lending a rare intimate air to this large ensemble recording.
Also this week, saxophonist and composer Steve Slagle offers new sounds to clear the air on his new sextet recording, “Nascentia,” with music developed during the pandemic;
rising star vibraphonist Behn Gillece leads an exciting quartet date of brilliant performances on “Still Doing Our Thing”;
and “Trio” features pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta.