John Fedchock

[DrJ]

I've been on a big band kick lately, big time. Was just turned on to trombonist Fedchock and his band by a jazz loving friend, who knew I'd enjoy their stuff. And I did! ON THE EDGE is a fantastic album, full of interesting originals, great arrangements, and a real connoisseur's choice of covers ("Isfahan," Lee Morgan's "Ceora," Shorter's "Virgo," Jaco's "Teen Town," and Thad Jones "111-44" to name a few). Rick Margitza is one of the best soloists, along with Fedchock himself and pianist Allen Farnham, who is absolutely on fire throughout this album. Wonderfully recorded date, too. If you dig modern big bands, get it, get it, get it.

[Free For All]

I enjoy this recording as well. John's charts tend to be in more of the traditional big band style of writing, which I find very enjoyable to come back to after a heavy dose of Maria or some of the other current writers. This is not a diss of the latter, it's just nice to hear some more traditional big band writing once in a while. He uses great players (many of whom also play w/Maria's band!) and his recordings are planned out well so that everyone gets a chance to blow. BTW, his chart on Caribbean Fire Dance (on his most recent recording No Nonsense) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Instrumental Arrangement category.

One final note- "111-44" is an Oliver Nelson tune, not Thad Jones.

Tony, a couple other contemorary big band recordings you might enjoy:

Kenny Werner w/the Brussels Jazz Orchestra "Naked in the Cosmos"

Renee Rosnes w/ the Danish Radio Big Band

[DrJ]

Ooops, what was I thinking about that Oliver tune! There is a Thad Jones piece on the same CD but obviously not that one!

Thanks for the tip Free for All, I am particularly interested in the Rosnes big band recording, being a fan of her small group work.