Search - John Fedchock New York Big Band :: Up and Running

Excellence Extended

John Tapscott | Canada | 03/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once every four or five years composer arranger/trombonist John Fedchock takes his New York Big Band into a studio and makes a recording for Reservoir records. Fedchock's latest "Up and Running", recorded in the fall of 2006, may be the best yet of a very consistent string of Fedchock big band CD's. The excellence displayed on his first three CD's is extended, or even raised a notch upward, with this release. The band itself sounds remarkably cohesive and perhaps even a bit more relaxed than before, which is evident on the title track. Furthermore, Fedchock has incorporated more influences into his writing without causing it to lose any of its strong and distinctive character.



Fedchock's cleverly places "Moments Notice" over a Latin rhythm and disguises the tune somewhat so that it nearly becomes an original composition. In "Mr. Dudley" Fedchock incorporates the second line beat of New Orleans and a taste of Dixeland. "The Emperor's Empire" is a powerhouse chart reminiscent of Elvin Jones' drumming translated for big band, and certainly stands out as one of Fedchock's best originals to date. Fedchock shows off his dramatic arranging flair and lyrical ballad trombone chops on "Embraceable You and " Dedicated to You." Baritonist Gary Smulyan is featured at length on the hard-swinging "Alfie's Theme." Fedchock always returns for a look at his roots in the Woody Herman band and does so here with a hard swinging shuffle blues "The Ariztocrat," in honor of the late, great bandleader. Rich Perry is featured on "Theme for Ernie," a flowing ballad chart originally written by Fedchock for the Woody Herman Band. "J Birds" is a bright, boppish original penned in memory of J.J. Johnson and Carl Fontana, featuring Fedchock and Steve Davis in fluent solos. Fedchock solos extensively throughout the CD and proves again why he is one of the outstanding trombonists in jazz today, playing with excitement, fleet technique, melodic shape, and complete control in every register.



The solo strength of this band is awesome, there's just no other way to put it. The very distinctive tenor sound of Rich Perry, the more Coltrane-esque style of tenorist Rich Margitza, the bright, lyrical solos of altoist Mark Vinci, the solo trumpets of Scott Wendholt and Barry Ries, and the strong lead and fiery high work of trumpeter Tony Kadleck will consistently catch your ear. The rhythm section of Allen Farnham on piano, either Lynn Seaton or Dick Sarpola on bass, and Dave Ratajczak on drums is right on the money on every chart, playing each groove with power and complete control and conviction. The recording quality of the CD is outstanding as well, with careful attention to balance and dynamics.



John Fedchock's 68 minute "Up and Running" has everything the lover of modern big band jazz could possibly want in a CD. The music will both challenge and comfort you, sometimes get your foot tapping, sometimes whisper in your ear, sometimes blow you away with its power, and definitely command your listening attention at every turn. "Up and Running" is an excellent CD in every respect and highly recommended."

Another Home Run For The John Fedchock New York Big Band

Russell D. Dixon | Columbus, Ohio | 03/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been waiting a while for this new release ... it's about time that this vastly under-rated group cut a new disc. The playing is tight, superb ... the arrangements are good. Trumpets = Tony Kadleck and Craig Johnson are the Lead players with Barry Ries, Scott Wendholt and Kerry MacKillop rounding out the section. Ries plays some absolutely beautiful flugel. The entire band is an allstar line-up on New York musicians. Great solos ... very good arrangements ... modern harmonics together with good old straight ahead swing. I'll take this group over Down Beat Magazines annual picks anyday. Add this disc to your collection ... you will not be disappointed!"