Critically acclaimed trombonist, John Fedchock, celebrates JJ Johnson's 100th birthdate in a big way with downhome soul - caught LIVE in Indianapolis!

GENRE: Jazz/Trombone/Quartet

COMPOSERS: J.J. Johnson, Manny Albom

Recorded Live on March 3, 2024 at The Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis, IN.

A select number of musicians throughout history have left indelible marks, taking the music to new heights on their instruments. JJ Johnson was one of those very special artists. He was the first to adapt the complexities of bebop to the trombone, and every subsequent style on the instrument has been shaped upon the building blocks he diligently constructed.

When the opportunity arose to celebrate JJ's life and music in Indianapolis, Indiana, the place his life both began and ended, and to do it in the city's acclaimed jazz club, The Jazz Kitchen, Fedchock just couldn't pass it up. Indy has produced a storied lineage of jazz icons, so he decided to enlist some of the top players in the area to insure an authentic hometown celebration. He was lucky enough to get the cream of the crop in pianist Steve Allee, bassist Jeremy Allen, and drummer Sean Dobbins.

When the club's sound engineer asked Fedchock if he wanted him to record the group live from the mixing board, he assumed it was simply to document the night, but he actually created a full multi-track recording. So when the band hit the stage, none of us really considered the potential of this 'keepsake'. It was never a distraction, and everyone completely let loose from beginning to end. That unbridled energy is strikingly apparent throughout this recording.

Fedchock's goal was to not only celebrate JJ the player, but also JJ the composer. His writing credits are widely renowned, so he wanted to showcase compositions from his albums that have always resonated with him.

Track Listing

• Naptown U.S.A.
• Short Cake
• Lullaby of Jazzland
• Kenya
• Say When
• Lament
• Minor Mist
• Ten 85

Additional Details

Label: Summit Records

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 58:22 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 09/06/24

UPC: 099402828923