Joe Fiedler’s Big Sackbut

A new configuration of New York trombonist Joe Fiedler’s Big Sackbut highlights a set of performances that bounce with the élan of a New Orleans marching band mated with thoroughly modern extended techniques. Adding deft cadenced expressions from drummer Satoshi Takeishi and multi-directional tuba ace Marcus Rojas the group is filled out with three proficient sackbut – or trombone – stylists, Ryan Keberle, Luis Bonilla and Fiedler himself.

While curves towards Latin and uncomplicated sequences in the trombonist’s compositions reference his experience working with everyone from Eddie Palmieri to Sesame Street, that doesn’t mean there’s unnecessary simplicity in the music. The comprehensive sounds include multiphonic interludes where any one of the trombonist extrude plunger growls, portamento ripples, smeary half-valve timbres and machine-gun speed triplets.

Furthermore among the constant puffs, honks, slurps and snorts output by Rojas as continuum or harmony, he frequently expands the tuba’s range and pitch from its antipodal ends. An instance of this is the title track where splutters and grace notes mark the transition from highest to lower tones. Around this the three trombones slide and harmonize with the piece completed with harsh percussion click clanks.

While Takeishi has space for distinctive solo breaks in the middle of such tunes as “Guiro Nuevo” and “Kingston”, the usual focus is on varied trombone styles. Encompassing sequences when the three open up to a contrapuntal and layered tour de force on a tune like “Elements of Know”, Keberle’s gutbucket slides and muted plunger tones set up group projections as each tandem pass from the three moves the narrative up the scale. In contrast “The Box” opens with Fiedler’s squeezed split tones contrasting with Bonilla’s slippery brass ripples, Tough lyricism from all the brass leads to a bouncy conclusion.

Not everything is up tempo however, with “Room 719” attaining a relaxed lope with brass hums and hockets following a canon-like introduction which also shuffles into earshot at the end.

This new journey from Fiedler’s Big Sackbut proves once again that joyous swing can be created without losing the technical sophistication that makes it unique.

–Ken Waxman

Track Listing: 1. Portrait of Tito Matos 2. The Box 3. Journey to Bowerbird

4. Guiro Nuevo 5. Elements of Know 6. Room 719 7. Flexible Flyer 8. Kingston 9. Go Get It

Personnel: Joe Fiedler, Ryan Keberle, Luis Bonilla (trombones); Marcus Rojas (tuba) and Satoshi Takeishi (drums)