Back in June, I reviewed trombonist Nick Finzer's tribute to trombonist J.J. Johnson, with Renee Rosnes on piano, Rufus Reid on bass and Lewis Nash on drums. Now John Fedchock, another terrific trombonist, has released his own salute to Johnson.
The album is Justifiably J.J., and features pianist Steve Allee, bassist Jeremy Allen and drummer Sean Dobbins. Recorded live at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, Ind., the album has a studio sound, with the audience in the distance.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, John joined Woody Herman's band in 1980 and was the band's featured soloist. He arranged and went on tour with Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band, the Louie Bellson Big Band, the Bob Belden Ensemble, the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra, the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. He also has performed at jazz festivals and concert halls around the world in small groups and his big band. [Photo of John Fedchock]
On his new album, John showcases Johnson's fat tone and pushy attack; Allee is spectacular on piano, gliding around effortlessly; Allen's bass is big and pronounced in the ensemble and on solos; and Dobbins' drums are crisp and alive. All of the album's songs are by Johnson except Lullaby of Jazzland, which was by Manny Albam.
The Tracks:
- Naptown USA
- Short Cake
- Lullaby of Jazzland
- Kenya
- Say When
- Lament
- Minor Mist
- Ten 85
A beautiful tribute from start to finish of a singular soloist who came up in the bebop era and always sounded like he was moving furniture around a room to create the most exquisite interior. Kudos to John for celebrating J.J. in his centenary year. [Photo above of J.J. Johnson by Francis Wolff (c)Mosaic Images]
JazzWax tracks: You'll find John Fedchock's Justifiably J.J. (Summit) here or on streaming platforms.
JazzWax clips: Here's Say When...
Here's Lament...
Bonus: So you have the sound of Johnson's horn in your head, here's Lovely, from J.J.'s Broadway (1963)...
