Bud Brisbois – Rocket Man

This Limited Edition tribute to high note trumpet player Bud Brisbois, features Bud in a variety of settings spanning his entire professional career as a trumpet player. From his first recording just out of high school to his last public performance. Catch Bud as he reaches into the extreme upper register with ease, power and precision.

CD

$16

Emerald City Jazz Orchestra – Alive and Swingin’

Seattle 's most exciting big band, this CD is packed with great charts, outstanding soloists, and smoking big band jazz. Check out the great reviews of this CD. If you like jazz, you need this CD!!!. "When I see someone such as young trumpeter Kevin Seeley make the effort to organize a band such as this, I feel so encouraged and reassured that there will always be a future for big bands in our world. Most bands play the pants off of the ensemble sections but fall a bit flat on their collective faces when it comes to soloists. NOT ON THIS BAND!! Check out the "heavies", i.e. Jim Sisko, Mark Taylor, the Marriott brothers, Travis Ranney, Reuel Lubag. There is a lot of powerful playing on this recording which I think will bring you great satisfaction as a listener. The guys in the band and leader Kevin Seeley are to be congratulated for this project. I hope the band lasts forever." (Bobby Shew) Fantastic new arrangements and tight ensemble playing make this CD a must. Song Sample

CD

$15

Emerald City Jazz Orchestra – Come Rain Or Shine

Finally, a follow up to the ECJO's critically acclaimed first CD.  This fantastic CD features almost 80 minutes of music! Jam packed with 12 outstanding arrangements by the fantastic Matso Limtiaco. Hard Swinging, High Energy Big Band Jazz, featuring many of the Pacific Northwest ’s leading soloists. This is a MUST CD for every fan of Big Band Jazz. Noted Jazz Trumpet Player Bobby Shew says "They are crackshot players in every way , excellent soloists, beautiful and precise ensemble work throughout, swinging rhythm section and extremely creative and hip charts by Matso Limtiaco" Song Sample

CD

$15

CHASE – Live at Faces

The only commercially available video recording of the CHASE band live from 1974 during an album release party for PURE MUSIC. Featuring a guest appearance form Jim Peterik, the band performs the entire PURE MUSIC album as well as a version of Get It On with all of the trumpets taking solos. A Must have for any trumpet fan, Chase fan, etc!

DVD

$25

Eric Miyashiro – Kick Up

The First CD from top Japan session player and former lead trumpet with Buddy Rich and Woody Herman, among others. Eric and the band absolutely smoke. Eric roars through the upper register and burns on solos. Current TOP lead player Mike Bogart joins Eric to sing and solo on Get It On too. This is an absolute must for big band and trumpet fans alike. Song Sample

CD

$35

Eric Miyashiro – City of Brass

Eric's second release is filled with music that he wanted to do, played and recorded his way. His first CD is excellent, this one is awesome. Eric routinely soars into the upper register with his huge sound and crystal clear tone. We all wonder who can come close to sounding like Maynard, well in my opinion, Eric sure is close.....

CD

$35

Eric Miyashiro – Times Square

Recorded live at the Fabulous STB 139 club in Tokyo, this CD features a great mix of music, including tunes from Eric's first two albums, music from Buddy Rich's book and three great tunes from the Maynard Ferguson Library, Danny Boy, Left Bank Express and Stella By Starlight. This CD is truly OUTSTANDING! Song Sample

CD

$35

I will share Bobby Shew's Review of this :

" WOW!!  That's my most natural reaction to hearing this absolutely wonderful new CD by trumpet virtuoso Eric Miyashiro and his great band from Tokyo. This is extra special in that it is a tribute to Eric's main influence and idol, the late Maynard Ferguson. Eric is one of the few players in the world who can actually come pretty darned close to sounding just like Maynard did, an incredibly difficult if not impossible achievement.

Eric chose to record several pieces which were in Maynard's band library but were never recorded. They come from arrangers such as Denis DiBlasio, Nick Lane, Chip McNeil, and Jay Chattaway. Included is the classic "TOMMY MEDLEY" by Peter Townsend and arranged by Chattaway. In addition, Eric's performances on recorded classics such as Slide Hampton's "OLE" and "FRAME FOR THE BLUES, and Don Sebesky's "MARIA" are awesome. I must say tho, that I was especially impressed as well as touched by Eric's own writing herein. His arrangement of "GONNA FLY NOW " is especially moving and heartfelt. "PLEIADES" is Eric's own composition and arrangement, done for his idol MF, and it is a truly gorgeous piece of music. Maynard would be touched to tears I'm sure. Prior to writing these notes, I listened to this CD around 7 or 8 times, each time in awe of how Eric has developed as a true master of the trumpet. I'm so fortunate to have watched this growth and I am so pleased and proud of him, both musically and as a wonderful , warm human being. Thanks , Eric." Bobby Shew

This Double DVD Tribute Package includes the Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert held September 20, 2006 at the University of Missouri Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis and over 60 minutes of Historical Bonus Footage.

The featured concert from St. Louis brought together more than 30 alumni artists from Maynard's sixty plus years of entertaining audiences around the world.  In a manner of words, the tribute was the ultimate symphony dedicated to a man so many called “The Boss”. The DVD of the concert has a running time of over 120 minutes and also includes many great photos of Maynard throughout the years.

The second DVD includes more than an hour of bonus footage excerpts, many of which have never before been seen, from performances all over the world.  Recorded between 1950-2006, these excerpts demonstrate Maynard's trumpet artistry and trademark exuberance as a world renowned bandleader.

Kennsington Brass – Kiss My Brass!

A great new band from the New Jersey area featuring original rock music with smoking horns. Almost every tune has a trumpet solo, and those solos are cooking. Rick calls it original horn powered hard rock and I agree. Great music, great horns and a lot of fun. Song Sample

CD

$12

Jim Manley – Some Assembly Required

A Limited Edition re-release of Jim's very first album. 8 screaming tracks of funk with overdubbed trumpets. Lots of cascading trumpet lines, plenty of high notes and some great music. If you are a fan of Jim's and were never able to purchase this album before it went out of print, buy it now!. Song Sample

CD

$17

Jim Manley – Lip Trip

Jim Manley, based in St. Louis , MO.   is known for his strong upper register on the trumpet. The music contained on his second CD, Lip Trip features Jim and his groups in a contemporary setting allowing him to display his capabilities on the horn. With a little bit of funk, fusion, jazz, swing and humor thrown into the mix, the music is definitely worth hearing. (clip) Song Sample

CD

$17

Jim Manley –Alter Ego

Alter Ego is Jim's approach to something different. Ten great original tunes, with a taste of funk, some heavy grooves, some sweet playing, and of course Jim's smoking trumpet cruising into the upper register with ease. What more can be said about Jim's playing. This is a must have CD for an fan of lead trumpet playing. (oh yeah, he plays some great solos too).

CD

$17

Jim Manley – Wild Cool and Swingin’ – Live and Studio albums (limited QTY)

Two great albums in One.  Jim’s Wild Cool and Swingin’ Orchestra harkens back to the sounds of the Swinging Las Vegas Strip in the 60’s.  A swinging big band, a powerful vocalist, great arrangements and soloists, all capped off by Jim Manley’s trumpet.  Some absolutely fantastic trumpet playing here.  There are only a few copies of this still available, so order now!

CD

$17

Jim Manley – Splendor in the Brass

Never one to sit on his laurels, Jim and his new mini-big band roar through standards on this fantastic CD. Bringing back echoes of the Maynard Ferguson 60's big bands, great arrangements, great soloists, and Jim's Screaming trumpet make this one of Jim's best CD's ever. Jim gets opportunities to explore the more lyrical side of his trumpet playing, but still, the overall direction of this CD is In Your Face big band jazz. If you are a trumpet or big band fan this CD belongs in your collection. Song Sample

CD

$17

Jim Manley – Splendor in the Brass 2

Back for another go around with his small big band, Jim gets the band swinging again! Great playing, great display of sheer power and chops, but for me, the best thing on this CD is a beautiful tribute to the late Maynard Ferguson, the song, For Maynard, written and recorded by Jim just two days after Maynard passed away, this song is worth the price of the album alone. Another great CD from this great trumpet player and trumpet fan.

CD

$17

"BRASS POISON" follows in the footsteps of my last recording for The Victoria Company, "EIGHT" which was a tribute to some of the great 60's big bands.

With this project,I wanted to explore some of the great music that was put out in the 70's and beyond. I grew up listening to all the MF and Don Ellis Columbia stuff along with Blood,Sweat & Tears,Chicago,Tom Scott,the Brecker Brothers and so many others - I still love that era and it brings back many great memories when music seemed more creative and exciting.

Finding "pop tunes" that fit trumpet can be difficult,as trumpet and pop melodies don't always go hand in hand. I think we found tunes that really work here.

We've added a little Brass Poison to Elton John,Carole King,Sting,The Isley Brothers and a few others I think you will recognize. All of us had a blast (no pun intended) recording these tunes and I think you'll have some fun listening.

So turn up the volume,sit down between the speakers,or stick your buds in your ears and hold on to something!

Taylor/Fidyk Big Band – A Perfect Match

Fresh from Washington DC , the Taylor/Fidyk big band, led by well known composer/arranger Mark Taylor and the US Army Blues drummer Steve Fidyk, this great band just cooks. Excellent Lead Trumpet Work by Liesel Whitaker (Army Blues lead player), plenty of great trumpet solos, great charts, precise ensemble work, you just can't beat the final results on this CD. If you enjoy big band jazz, this is a CD you need to have.

CD

$17

Walt Johnson – Trumpet Scroll

One of LA's hottest lead trumpet men, Walt's trumpet work has been heard with everyone from Wayne Newton, Louis Bellson, Frank Sinatra Jr. and many more. Walt's first solo CD give's him the opportunity to stretch out his jazz chops and his exceptional upper register. This great album also features a version of Chase's "Get It On". A must for any high note trumpet collector. Available ONLY as a hand signed CDR only Song Sample

CD

$17

Walt Johnson – Warmth of the Sun

The new CD by noted LA lead trumpet player Walt Johnson. This CD takes Walt somewhere new....Walt explores the soft sensual side of his playing, with beautiful flugelhorn and trumpet work. Pour yourself a glass of wine, and chill out to Walt and "Warmth of the Sun".

CD

$17

Walt Johnson – Double C Book

Essentially a lesson in book format with the great lead trumpet player Walt Johnson. This book contains information and exercises from Walt on how to build a strong Upper Register. Included in the book are practical exercises and sheet music for two songs to practice. As a bonus, I will e-mail MP3's of the two songs and one of them with a backing tracks only to those who request them.

book

$16

Walter White – Long Tones

Former Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, etc. lead and solo trumpet player Walter White produced this practice CD in 1995. It contains 4 different 20 minute long tone sections of music to practice long tones with, or just mess around over the changes. Along with practicing tips, and a monster solo by Walter, this CD is a great practice help.

CD

$18

Walter White – Being There – with the Des Moines Big Band

Walter and the Des Moines Big Band performing a group of compositions by Walter. Featured in all ranges of the horn, from crackling bop to sizzling high notes, backed by this great big band, this is a great CD. If you don't know Walter's playing, this is a great starting point. Song Sample

CD

$20

Walter White – w/ the Hot Peppers

Walter is featured on this CD by Ray Kamalay, blowing through some great small group jazz. Both live and in the studio Walter's playing really cooks

CD

$18

Wayne Bergeron – You Call This a Living?

Top LA lead trumpet player Wayne Bergeron worked long and hard on his first solo project, and boy did it pay off. Wayne plays how lead players all want to play. Power, precision, beauty, and taste all rolled into one great album. Soaring to blistering heights, Wayne has released a monster album for the trumpet fan. You owe it to yourself to pick this one up. This is one of the greatest trumpet big and CD's ever. Song Sample

CD

$16

Groovin’ Higher Jazz Orchestra – Live at Jazzbones

This great double CD album by Tacoma 's newest big band was recorded live at Tacoma 's newest and best place for live jazz, Jazzbones. Recorded live by NPR Jazz Host Jim Wilke, this high energy excursion into contemporary jazz is packed with great charts, and great soloists. Well known trumpet players Bobby Medina , Lance Buller, and lead trumpet Rich Wetzel are featured throughout the CD's. This CD is HOT!.

CD

$16

Groovin’ Higher Jazz Orchestra – Live, with Wayne Bergeron

Recorded at various live performances in 2002, Richard and the band really smoke on these tunes. Lots of high energy big band work, lots of trumpet features for Richard, MacArthur Park , LaVirgen De La Macarena, Malaguena and more. Special guest Wayne Bergeron is also featured on several solo tracks (including ones that are not on his own CD) Excellent alto work by Cliff Colon, awesome lead trumpet work by Greg Lyons and much more.

CD

$18

Groovin’ Higher Jazz Orchestra – Live at the Freedom Fair, July 4, 2002

Groovin' Higher Jazz Orchestra - Live at the Freedom Fair 7/4/2002 - video

Richard and his band on the 4th of July, patriotic numbers, screaming trumpet numbers and all around great jazz. Rich plays a whole slew of trumpet features and nails every one of them. Greg Lyons cooks on lead and solos too. This is a fun video. (video quality is good) VHS

VHS

$20

Groovin’ Higher Jazz Orchestra – Live in Tacoma

This one hour video features the GHJO in concert at the 2001 Taste of Tacoma. Some great big band jazz, with a slight kicker. The last three tunes (Children of Sanchez, Malaguena, and Hey Jude) feature the addition of the "lead trumpet all-stars", basically the lead trumpet players from other big bands in the Seattle area, Terry Thompson, Mike Mines , Greg Lyons, Kevin Seeley, several others and Joe Marcinkiewicz. The big band brass section is also augmented with french horns and low brass. A pretty wild finale to the show.....VHS Video.

VHS

$20

Carl Saunders – Be-Bop Big Band

Carl's debut big band CD and it is destined to be a classic. Backed up by the top players in the business (including Bobby Shew, Frank Szabo, Ron Stout, Bob Summers and Scott Engelbright in the trumpet section alone), Carl opens up the solo work throughout the rest of the players too. This is an amazing album, great charts, excellent recording and just great playing. Key arrangements by the late Herbie Phillips take Be-Bop Big Band to new heights. This CD showcases Carl and the entire band. It ranks up there as one of the best big band CD's I've ever heard.

CD

$17

Carl Saunders – Can You Dig Being Dug?

The one and only Carl Saunders Quartet live at Charlie O's. This small group CD is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Carl 's jazz playing is showcased at it's finest, fluid lines from the top tot he bottom and all around. This CD is absolutely a must have for trumpet players.

CD

$17

Carl Saunders – Live at Spazio’s

The one and only Carl Saunders Quartet live at Spazio's on DVD!. 82 minutes of incredible playing, sprinkled with an interview with Carl.  This professionally produced video is of exceptional quality. Carl is truly a master of the trumpet, weaving intricate lines through all registers of the trumpet.

VHS or DVD

$20 / $25

Carl Saunders – Quartet with Bobby Shew

An Unbelievable pairing of two trumpet greats. Carl and Bobby in a small group setting, both not only play trumpet, but take turns on drums too, no joke! This fantastic DVD is a must have for all.

DVD

$25

New Vintage Big Band – Always and Forever

This exciting contemporary big band from the midwest has some great performances that you need to hear. This recording features charts originally written for Maynard, Buddy Rich and others. Some great section work and solos by the whole band, but the show is the outstanding lead trumpet work and solos by former Chase, Kenton and Herman trumpeter Jay Sollenberger. A great album.

CD

$17

Winston Byrd – Soul Searchin’

An amazing debut CD by up and coming trumpet sensation Winston Byrd. His playing style is a fusion of vintage Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Faddis and his own desire to bring his own flavor to the horn. Originals and standards cover this CD with some great grooves to boot. The organ really allows Winston to enter some areas not attempted by many players. Plenty of be-bop, some nice plunger work and of course some excursions into the upper register. This is a fantastic CD! Song Sample

CD

$16

Primal Therapy

This great Chase cover band from Canada really puts the pedal to the metal while covering many Chase tunes. The soloists are excellent and the CD is filled with some serious serious screaming trumpet work. The band has updated the arrangements and the CD is just fun to listen to.

CD

$12

Dennis Noday – A Tribute to Stan Kenton

Dennis Noday, former lead trumpet player for Maynard Ferguson and Stan Kenton leads this exciting big band based in Florida through a powerful session. Performing tunes from both Kenton and Maynard, the band brings down the house. Check out Dennis's brilliant trumpet reaching new heights.

CD

$16

The Bobby Shew Story

87 minutes. Includes interviews with Bobby and some of LA's finest and live concert footage of the Chris Walden Big Band at the Jazz Bakery with Wayne Bergeron on Lead Trumpet. Bobby discusses his career in music. A must have for all trumpet fans.

DVD

$25

Mark Zauss – Beyond The Stratosphere

If you have ever been to Epcot in Florida , you were probably amazed by the trumpet playing of Mark Zauss. Mark was a featured soloist and lead player with many groups in the area, specifically the Future Corps and the Hollywood Hitmen. Mark's control and power in the upper register, as well as his all around soloing capabilities make Mark someone you just have to hear. Song Sample

CD

$16

Mark Zauss – No Limits

“No Limits” is a dynamic mixture of swing, big band, Dixieland, and Be-Bop Jazz featuring trumpet virtuoso Mark Zauss. This album is a must buy for upper register trumpet players and fans of swing and jazz! Song Sample

CD

$16

Dave Stahl - Anaconda

The first album by the phenomenal lead trumpet player Dave Stahl is a must have for any collector and high note trumpet fan. This Limited Pressing Direct To Disc Audiophile LP (that means vinyl) features Dave's great NY big band and of course Dave's soaring trumpet. The performance on "Scream Machine" is worth the price of the album alone. Song Sample

LP

$19

Bill Carmichael – Likin’ It On Top

Orlando based Lead Trumpeter and author of the SCREAMIN' trumpet method Bill Carmichael's first solo big band release. Fresh arrangements to some standards and a great band are just some of what you will hear on this great new CD. Bill's trumpet soars into the upper register with ease. Double C's and above abound in this CD. A fine addition to any trumpet fans CD collection. Song Sample

CD

$17

Des Moines BB -

Coming soon!

Steve Cannon – Full Blown

Trumpet playing Band leader and recording artist Steve Cannon has assembled a group of the finest jazz musicians in the Pacific Northwest United States and takes you on an emotional journey through the many personalities of the modern day Big Band. Beautiful ballads, invigorating sambas, contemporary favorites, and screaming straight ahead jazz. This "Full Blown" big band will take you to new heights and leave you with a warm, fuzzy afterglow.
With a noticeable emphasis on upper brass and arrangements by nationally acclaimed arranger/composer Tom Kubis, Steve along with his multi talented line up of screamers and soloists will give you a new found love and renewed interest in Big Band Jazz.
This is not your grandpa's Wednesday night rehearsal band. It's serious, balls to the wall energy. Sit down, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of a lifetime.

CD

$17

Frank Greene – Brass Concepts

 Playing Lead Trumpet with Maynard Ferguson was really a dream come true! Just being around him day after day was amazing...and what I learned from him over the years was just invaluable. Brass Concepts is written to share these very things with you.

Brass Concepts is full of tips and tricks learned from several years of touring and doing clinics with Maynard...as well as the things learned from years of playing with Jon Faddis here in New York City . I’ve also added some unique concepts from Bobby Shew and the brass guru Don Jacoby to boot.

Maybe you struggle with range issues and endurance problems... or maybe you feel you play too way too tense or closed off in your throat...maybe you really want a bigger and more projecting sound. You KNOW you can play...You just want it to be easier!

In “Brass Concepts” you will learn: The #1 reason our chops give out and how you can prevent it. Quick and easy ways to fix “playing-mechanics” problems automatically! What players like Maynard are actually thinking about when they play! How to use the “Wedge Breath”? -- And...How you can learn to play with more ease in the Upper Register...people will constantly ask you just how you make it look so effortless...

Brass Concepts can teach you how. It will arm you with the right tools so you can make endurance issues and other playing problems a thing of the past. A must for Lead Players.

book

$24

Frank Greene – The Quiet Mind

This new concept will transform the way you think! Allowing you to play things you may have never thought possible.

Ever wondered why some people can play without fear and nervousness? How they play so confidently and so easily? There’s a secret psychology to playing without fear and most people don’t know about it. That’s why they will always struggle to perform.

 In the Quiet Mind (for musicians) you will learn: The 5 reasons we fail--and how you can avoid them. Why we lose focus and how you can keep it? How to get into The Zone? What is THE most important thing to remember in ANY performance?

REMEMBER...OUR MINDS DON’T EVER SIT STILL!RIGHT NOW YOU ARE EITHER MOVING TOWARDS FREEDOM FROM FEAR OR YOU ARE CONTINUING TO LOCK LIMITING BELIEFS AND LIMITING HABITS FIRMLY INTO PLACE...

The Quiet Mind(for musicians) will teach you how to break this cycle ONCE AND FOR ALL.

book

$24

Special guest Kenny Werner lifts Baylock’s “Sea Changes” and Duke Ellington’s “Cottontail” above eye level for all to see and enjoy. The latter arrangement represents the album’s highest point, flowing seamlessly from one soloist to the next with a natural touch. Six soloists, in turn, build the song’s tension up gradually until; finally, the entire band has to explode with pent-up energy. Each member of the band brings a veteran’s chops to the performing arena. At over thirteen minutes long, “Cottontail” leaves a lasting impression. “When I Fall in Love” closes out this highly recommend big band album with a somber look at what’s been warming our hearts for years. Lush harmony and euphonic blends provide a memorable experience.

Baylock currently holds the position of Chief Arranger for the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note jazz ensemble.

Take Seattle trumpeter Thomas Marriott, who has been based in New York for the past few years. While his name is something of a well kept secret and he is seriously under-recorded, he has managed to gain some profile as part of groups led by vibraphonist Joe Locke, trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, singer Rosemary Clooney, and saxophonist Bob Berg. Stepping out on his first release as a leader, Individuation, Marriott offers a warm tone and middle-of-the register style that is firmly rooted in Miles Davis by way of Dave Douglas.

In fact, some tracks on Individuation, with David Budway’s Fender Rhodes, are distinctly reminiscent of Douglas’ The Infinite. The sheer melodicism of the relaxed opener, “Sing a Song,” followed by the looser and more raucous “Domino City,” packs the same kind of solid one-two punch that Douglas did with the opening of his disc.

And any release that features Joe Locke as co-producer, vibraphonist (on four tracks), and contributor of two compositions and an arrangement is worth investigating for that reason alone. It’s no surprise that Locke’s two compositions, the aforementioned “Domino City”— and the poignant closer, “Returning,”— demonstrate the kind of musical breadth and depth that anyone who knows him has come to expect.

But while Locke’s influence is felt throughout the recording—even on the tracks on which he doesn’t play—this is really Marriott’s showcase. With a purity of tone and economical approach, he is as comfortable on tunes like the eminently singable “Sing a Song” and “Love You Tonight” as he is on the group’s more freewheeling approach to “Tout de Suite,” originally on Miles Davis’ transitional Filles de Kilimanjaro. His spare voice and thematic approach to improvisation clearly make him someone to watch.

Equally worth keeping an eye on is alto saxophonist Rick Mandyck, who plays on three tracks. His solo on “Tout de Suite” cleverly utilizes a repeated two-note motif that links together his more outer-reaching ideas. Budway, bassist Jeff Johnson and drummer John Bishop are all firm yet supple accompanists; Johnson and Bishop have worked together before, and it shows.

Those who doubt there is anything left to listen for in jazz need only search out new releases like Individuation to realize that jazz is not dead. It’s vibrantly alive and, with young artists like Marriott, possessed of a sure future.

Bill Barton - allaboutjazz.com In 1999, Thomas Marriott won the prestigious Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition sponsored by the International Trumpet Guild and the Herb Albert Foundation. Michael Caldwell wrote in the March 2000 International Trumpet Guild Journal: “[His] confident stage demeanor and intense interest in the rhythm section adds depth and character to his performance. A particularly interesting aspect of Marriott's playing is his ability to intentionally displace phrases without losing the flow of the tune. Marriott is a musician who consistently addresses musical considerations without any apparent technical difficulties.”

A Seattle native, he has been back in the Puget Sound region since 2004 after approximately four years in New York City; he moved there in 2000 after joining Maynard Ferguson's big band and did three world tours with Ferguson. He worked with a batch of world-class musicians including Bob Berg, Brian Lynch, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente and Eric Reed. Marriott also was commissioned to compose three original works for the Ground Floor Dance Collaborative and fronted his own bands while in the NYC metro area.

Both Sides of the Fence features a superb quartet: Marriott on trumpet and flugelhorn; Marc Seales playing piano and Fender Rhodes; Jeff Johnson on bass; and drummer John Bishop. Vibraphonist Joe Locke is a special guest on the Crombie-Green standard “So Near, So Far” and on Chick Corea's “Tones for Joan's Bones.” Locke and Marriott co-lead a quartet that performed February 23rd on the main stage at the Denver Jazz Festival (coincidentally just as this review was being completed.) Seattle jazz icon Hadley Caliman is also a guest, playing gorgeous tenor saxophone on Marriott's composition “What the Mirror Said.”

Marriott's luminous, warm tone is rare among post-bop trumpeters. There is plenty of fire in his playing, but it is a subdued glow rather than a raging inferno. The trumpet's heraldic history lends itself to an aggressive, “in-your-face” quality of expression by many players; in jazz, tone has taken a backseat to quicksilver ideas and complex lines for the most part since the days of Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, et al. Marriott is an enormously subtle player who retains a pure, rounded, opulent timbre even when negotiating the “fly specks on paper” steeplechases favored by the bop and hard bop originators; witness his brief adamantine solo on the title selection, a Marriott original. An analogue that springs to mind is Art Farmer, who also had an uncanny way of making a decidedly muscular instrument sound positively delicate. Don't confuse delicacy with wimpiness however; there's a strong sense of power held in reserve: a cathexis for jazz in its myriad forms rather than a catharsis of unbounded emotion. When Marriott reaches into the higher registers there's no feeling of strain or pushiness. He is a master of melodic improvisation.

The program on this disc is remarkably fresh and variegated. Marriott's original compositions—”Both Sides of the Fence,” “The Ninnen” and “What the Mirror Said”—are memorable melodies that remain in one's consciousness long after the CD has ceased to spin. There are three pieces that might be termed “not-so- standard standards”: “So Near, So Far,” the Dubin-Warren “Summer Night” and Ernesto Lecuona's “The Breeze and I.” An engaging symmetry—three threes—is completed with the inclusion of a trio of unhackneyed pieces from the jazz canon: Duke Ellington's “New World A Comin',” Freddie Hubbard's “Sky Dive” and “Tones for Joan's Bones.”

There aren't any duds in this collection. It would be pointless to attempt a play-by-play description as the program is jam-packed with highlights, including brilliant solo work from Seales. His Fender Rhodes lends an early CTI era Freddie Hubbard ambiance to “The Ninnen,” a feeling that is echoed less obliquely three tracks later on Hubbard's “Sky Dive.” Marriott is not as coruscating as Hubbard was in his prime; he may be somewhat less flashy, but his melodically imaginative solos tell some convincing stories. Marriott deserves kudos for interpreting the infrequently played “New World A Comin'.” It's a ravishingly beautiful performance. Marriott remains muted throughout and—unlike scores of otherwise original trumpeters—doesn't sound anything at all like Miles Davis. Miles and his followers often sound as if they're trying to blow the mute right out of the bell. Not so with Marriott.

Enter trumpeter/flugelhornist Thomas Marriott, with Crazy: The Music of Willie Nelson.

Marriott and the band take on a couple of Nelson's best known compositions—the 1961 Patsy Cline hit “Crazy,” and the Nelson-recorded “On the Road Again” (is there a person alive who hasn't heard those tunes?), along with a bunch of lesser-known gems. But if you're expecting understated, subtle country flavors, think again. The sound has a distinctly modern and often brash tone, thanks in no small part to the three members of the under-recorded Matt Jorgensen + 451 ensemble: drummer Jorgensen, saxophonist Mark Taylor, and keyboardist Ryan Burns. Especially Burns, who switches from the acoustic piano mode of his Tree-O (Odd Bird Records, 2007) in favor of some serious musical adventurousness with his Fender Rhodes and Moog synthesizer.

The opener, “Phases & Stages, Circles and Cycles” pulses to life on Geoff Harper's slow bass throb leading into a rhythm that sizzles behind Marriott's echoing horn, giving way to Taylor's cool, sweet nuances on soprano sax before Ryan Burns splashes neon colors and gleaming metallic sounds around.

The disc closes with “On the Road Again,” probably Nelson's most familiar melody. Marriott and company change the original's quiet country charm into an expansive, lush, electric wash of sound that seems as if it could have been issued from the underbelly of an alien spacecraft that has picked up an errant Willie broadcast out in space, and is now hovering in a starry sky, broadcasting its otherworldly renditions down to an awe-struck earthly crowd.

And of course there's “Crazy.” The band begins simply, gently, reverently, before things fall apart—the horns and keys sounding like misfiring neurons—crazy.

This set of eleven Willie Nelson songs—done up in a quite adventurous jazz mode—is an unusually fine and original listening experience.

Vaughn Nark – Somethin’ Special

The Vaughn Nark Quintet at it’s finest.  Vaughn’s first solo album after his long tenure as the featured lead trumpet player and soloist with the US Air Force Airmen of Note.  Vaughn and the gang romp through some great bebop standards.  Vaughn’s bop chops as well as high note chops are on display throughout the album.  A must have for trumpet afficianado’s.  This album is dedicated to the jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, who said "Vaughn Nark is somethin' special" Song Sample

CD

$18

Vaughn Nark – Flying High

A Collection of performance with Vaughn as the featured soloist with the Airmen of Note.  These fantastic Mike Crotty arrangements and the great AON provide the perfect setting for Vaughn to show what the trumpet can do.  The material on this collection has never before been released to the general public and is absolutely fantastic. Song Sample

CD

$18

Vaughn Nark – Panorama

Vaughn’s most recent recording, features Vaughn, backed by a group of his closest musical friends.  Performing a mix of funk, bop, straight ahead jazz and more.  This album has some great moments, from the funk version of Work Song, to the sensitive Flugel ballad Cavatina.  Song Sample

CD

$18

Designed and made by LA studio and touring musician Walt Johnson, from many years of experience learning what was needed to make the right product.