Jonathan Voltzok’s latest release More To Come is a vow to audiences that more is coming and not just wishful thinking. The trombonist embraces traditional bebop motifs especially in his renditions of Dizzy Gillespie’s "Con Alma" and Thelonious Monk’s "Round Midnight," but Voltzok also shows an affinity for freestyle jazz and agile playing reminiscent of Sumi Tonooka. Voltzok shows an intrinsic command of the trombone’s notes and good perception regarding where he wants the trombone to take the compositions, whether it’s to a restive trundle along "Round Midnight" or a frittering pace erecting a vibrating fiesta in "Duv." Voltzok understands that the instruments work on the same team and leave a solid impression on the listener’s mind.
Voltzok’s quick footed tooting across "Shawnuff" initiates a wagon circle vibe as the other instruments join in the jamboree incorporating pianist Aaron Goldberg and the rapid paddling rhythm section of bassist Barak Mori and drummer Ali Jackson in the caboose. The Latin flavoring and energetic throbbing of "Duv" contrasts the gentler tempo of "A Moment Of Sunshine" which is also clothes-pinned in Latin accents. The romantic atmospherics of "Shadows" creates lounging dips and crests while the glittering piano keys of "Opus de Funk" are beautifully entwined in lush horn twirls. The tranquility of the melodic rings coasting across "The Fire Dance" and "Con Alma" are reposing and have a torchlight flicker which is magnified by classic jazz etchings. And then sometimes the guys are just playful like in the title track.
Born in Israel in 1983, Jonathan Voltzok graduated from the Thelma Yalin High School for the Arts with honors and moved to New York City in 2004 after receiving a scholarship from the New School’s jazz program. His compositions are stylish and precise straddling the line between classic bebop and modern freestyle. It’s music fitting to be performed live, which meets jazz music’s most important requirement. Voltzok’s extensive experience as a live performer exceeds all the time he spent in a schoolroom, holding true to his vow that more is sure to come.
