Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana - Trombone Heaven, Vancouver, 1978

trombone heaven---a wonderful recording of two trombone giants

TROMBONE HEAVEN...Frank Rosolino & Carl Fontana...A rare recording of these two giants of the trombone performing together in 1978 on the second night of a two night gig in Vancouver. With a very talented local rhythm section these two romp through 6 tunes, 79 minutes of great jazz....The liner notes are extraordinary in that the information is more an essay on the history/background of these two players as well as a discussion of the differences in their trombone technique. This is a "must have" for all trombone players and anyone else interested in hearing a great evening of jazz....they are no longer with us but we do have this recording........they are sorely missed..... July 27, 2008

A Unique Opportunity: Meeting of Saints

It's hard to believe that at one time the two most popular musicians in America were trombone players (Miller and Dorsey). Since then the instrument has seen giant strides in the proficiency of its players yet been treated by the public as though it were an accordion or tonette. The attitude is that it's fine for parades or Dixieland tailgating but not to be taken more seriously. The only two exceptions I can think of at present are Steve Turre and Robin Eubanks, fine players who still occasionally manage to put out a CD under their own names.

But it's doubtful that any player will equal let alone surpass (Bill Watrous perhaps is closest) Rosolino and Fontana. Who knows what happened to Rosolino at the end? It may have been extraordinarily complex or as simple as the unbearable pain experienced by a peerless but poverty-line musician having to face the prospect of being unable to support his family barring acceptance of a minimum-wage factory job. All I know is that I'm not going to judge the man let alone the artist based on his incomprehensible moment of insanity (though it prompts me to increase my donations to the Brady fund).

Fontana is even scarcer on record that Rosolino. Yet I recall having a conversation with a major, high-profile trombone player (Phil Wilson) back in 1973 when he expressed his admiration of Carl Fontana above the others. Never has a listener had a better chance to compare the two, as well as appreciate the work of either player, than on this continually absorbing, even headshaking, display by both players. No arrangements--except the "extemporary" ones worked out during the course of play. (You can hear the two communicating verbally as well as musically.) To my ears, Rosolino is the flashier of the two; Fontana is crisper and cleaner, yet full of surprises and clever quotes. Rosolino integrates his slide more completely into the production of sound and rhythm; Fontana relies on what must be the fastest tongue possessed by a human being. Like some of today's tenor players whose altissimo register is so unlimited that the alto saxophone seems gratuitous, both Rosolino and Fontana take the instrument into areas previously thought to be the trumpet's sole domain.

I still love Teagarden, Lawrence Brown, Al Grey, and I consider J.J. Johnson the Miles Davis of the instrument. But these are the two guys who took the instrument to yet another level. I have yet to hear anyone capable of following them. June 6, 2008

Frank and Carl --sheer joy !

I first became interested in Stan Kenton in 1955 and was lucky enough to see the band on it first British tour in 1956. Amongst that band on trombone was Carl Fontana who's two features were 'Polka dots and moonbeams' and 'Carl'. Unfortunately I was not old enough to see the Kenton band in 1953 when it came to Dublin (the band was not allowed to come to England because of a ban by the Musicians' Union) and when amongst its ranks was Frank Rosolino on trombone.This has always been my greatest regret as I consider him to be the finest exponent ever of that instrument and I never had another chance of seeing him. This CD however almost compensates for that bacause Carl runs Frank a very close second and to have them playing together and bouncing ideas off and inspiring each other does constitute (to me) 'Trombone Heaven' April 21, 2008

Slide virtuosos side by side

I've always felt that four jazz trombonists stand above all others in a class by themselves: Urbie Green, Bill Watrous, and the two gentlemen on this recording. All of them have had amazingly productive careers as soloists and sidemen; all have inspired generations of players with their impeccable technique and style.
This album treats us to 79 minutes of unrestrained improvisation by Rosolino, Fontana, and a fine Vancouver-based rhythm section. The moods range from beautifully interpreted ballads ("Here's That Rainy Day," "Stardust," "Laura," and "Embraceable You") to brisk tempos that give these slide wizards plenty of room to show off (Thelonious Monk's "Well, You Needn't," "Just Friends," and Dizzy Gillespie's "Ow"). These tracks set the gold standard for trombone jams.
The enclosed booklet has extensive liner notes that give a concise professional history of the two trombonists and some insight into their personalities. Fans of Rosolino will note that this set was recorded about three months before his untimely death.
The only flaws of this album are minor ones that can be expected from recordings of live performances. The balance isn't always perfect (sometimes the piano is too far in the background) and during "All Blues" you can hear the trombonists having a conversation while the piano is soloing. Despite these criticisms, this is a must-have CD for fans of these late, great artists and for jazz trombone enthusiasts in general. April 10, 2008

Trombone heaven, vancouver,1978

Super elegante jazz , from a to z ,may be for my 15 years exp ,one of the best alboms , also recomended Nathan Davis, - name of album .IF.

March 15, 2008

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