Musicians: Michael Dease, James Burton, Robert Edwards, Marshall Gilkes, Nicholas Hagen , Ryan Keberle, Marques Young (trombones), Kris Bowers, Nial Djuliarso (piano), Matt Heredia, Ryland Kelly, Ben Meigners (bass), Marion Felder, Mark Whitfield (drums). Special Guests: Joseph Alessi (trombone), Tom Barber (flugelhorn), Vincent Gardner (trombone), David Gibson (trombone), Wycliff Gordon (trombone), Brandon Lee (trumpet).
Review: Michael Dease is a leader. With Dease Bones he has developed a unique common sound from a group of stellar trombonists whose individual solo voices are diverse. This release not only features his arrangements and compositions, but affords opportunity for others to display their writing talents.
Two studio sessions in 2005 and 2007 illustrate the versatility of the trombone and its players. There's plenty of excitement and creativity from the opener, "Personal Traner," with Marshall Gilkes saluting John Coltrane and "Giant Steps", to the finale, "Slide's Blues," a barn-burner where solo sparks fly (Dease credits Slide Hampton and his World of Trombones concept for his inspiration.) Another great, J.J. Johnson, is fondly remembered with his uptempo blues,"Wee Dot," and the wistful "Lament." Trumpeter Brandon Lee guests on Dease's "Believe." Bassist Matt Heredia contributes the solemn and dramatic " Let's Do This" featuring an eloquent Kris Bowers piano solo. There's a red-hot "It's All Right With Me" and a brass choir version of "Have a Merry Little Christmas" to cool you down. The rhythm section also sits out on "Sentimental Young Fool" as Dease plays beautifully over an intricate Chris Madsen arrangement. Madsen also arranged the lilting " Lullaby For Rita." "New Blues" displays the contrasting solo styles of Dease, James Burton and David Gibson. "Agrodolce", arranged by Tom Barber, is warm and mellow.
My appreciation of the trombone dates back to hearing those wonderful Stan Kenton bone sections. I love that sound. In addition to his leadership on Dease Bones, Michael Dease is a simply remarkable trombonist. Pay attention. You'll be hearing a lot more from him.
Tracks: Personal Traner, Lullaby for Rita, Wee Dot, Lament, New Blues, Sentimental Young Fool, Believe, Agrodolce, Let's Do This, It's All Right With Me, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Slide's Blues.
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