In 1940, the first Black vocal group to host a national radio show, The Mills Brothers, recorded a version of Berlin’s “Marie” featuring Louis Armstrong on trumpet and lead vocal, perhaps as an act of retribution for Doc Wheeler’s contributions.
Read MoreIn the third chorus of Green’s trombone solo, he trades a riff with saxophonist Jimmy Forrest in a call and response manner that mimics the shout backgrounds of the big band era. Whether it was an improvisational or a pre-arranged section to launch the piano solo, the use of shout rhythms provides the music and dance with a frenetic energy.
Read MoreRecorded in 1959, “Been Walkin’” is perhaps a reaction to the 1954 Miles Davis version of the Richard Carpenter tune “Walkin’,” which itself was most likely a version of the 1950 tune “Gravy” composed by Jimmy Mundey, credited to Carpenter, and recorded by Gene Ammons, as noted by jazz historian Gordon Jack who also points out that trombonist Bennie Green played on that original recording of “Gravy.”
Read MoreFrom the Kermit Ruffins album, #imsoneworleans
Read MoreDanny Barker, Uncle Lionel Batiste, Tuba Fats Anthony Lacen, Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Professor Longhair, Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, Ms. Germaine Bazzle… Kermit Ruffins’ bravado is a tribute to the musicians who shaped the trumpeter’s BBQ-swingin’ style. And following in his footsteps is trombonist Haruka Kikuchi, formerly of Tokyo and now she’s so New Orleans.
Read MoreYet it’s Klein’s scat vocal solo that really shines because we all knew that he could play the trombone. So when he effortlessly tips his hat to the First Lady of Song, he’s flirting. Oh, Craig Klein Be Good!
Read MoreA master of the tailgate style, Freddie Lonzo plays the trombone where most others do not, within the pockets of inhalations, the hiccups in between beats, while sliding around the harmonic boundaries as if to wrangle the wandering herd of musical voices.
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