trombone.org masthead

Recent Reviews

Connecting the Dots: The Warmup Guide for the 21st-Century Versatile Trombonist

By Dean Olah • December 13, 2023 in Literature
Connecting the Dots: The Warmup Guide for the 21st-Century Versatile Trombonist authored by Altin Sencalar, is a thorough and informative resource that aims to revolutionize trombone teaching for learners in the modern era.

Effective Etudes for Jazz: A Review

By Kyle Larson • May 20, 2023 in Literature
This book consists of eighteen jazz etudes written in styles ranging from blues shuffle to rock. It aims to help the learner gain knowledge and experience in improvising and playing with swing articulations.

Portraits - Technology and Bones: A Review

By Peter Fielding • January 14, 2023 in Recordings
Portraits - Technology and Bones is a wonderful mosaic that will appeal to many trombonists and contemporary music enthusiasts. The album continues Alix Tuscou's Technology and Bones work, affirming his excellence as a bass trombonist, composer, mixer/producer, and all-around collaborative artist.

Folksongs by Ensemble SONGS & Sarah Maria Sun: A Review

By Peter Fielding • December 27, 2022 in Recordings
Folksongs is an excellent recording, displaying the Ensemble SONGS and Sarah Maria Sun's passion for multilingual traditional vocal repertoires cast for a decidedly contemporary chamber music sound palette.

Trombone Concerto by Paul Harris: A Review

By Dean Olah • October 11, 2022 in Literature
Paul Harris has developed an international reputation as one of the top music educators and composers in the UK. Overall, he has provided a challenging yet pleasing concerto in three movements that will fit nicely in any recital setting. The movements can be performed stand-alone or as a full work.

Way of the Groove: A Review

By Peter Tijerina • October 03, 2022 in Recordings
This lovely album is sure to entertain a wide variety of listeners, including lovers of trombone, jazz, funk, and rock. "The Way of the Groove" is certainly a staple in today's groove-based musical world.

Best Next Thing: A Review

By Peter Tijerina • September 10, 2022 in Recordings
With its wide variety of excellent musicians and compositions, this album delivers something appetizing for every jazz lover. It's very much in the spirit of jazz improvisation and is the "Best Next Thing" when it comes to jazz recordings.

Learning to Play pBone: A Review

By Dean Olah • August 31, 2022 in Literature
Establishing a solid foundation is essential to success in skill development, especially when a child begins a possible life-long musical quest to learn a brass instrument. The pBone company and Chris Fower continue to impress with wonderful resources to supplement their fine line of fun instruments.

Novita: A Review

By Brad Edwards • August 10, 2022 in Literature
"Novita" ("girlfriend" in Spanish) is a pleasant bossa nova that could serve as an interlude or encore piece in a recital program. A pianist with some jazz experience would be a good choice but not a necessary one.

Beyond the End of the Century: A Review

By Tom Lukowicz • July 11, 2022 in Recordings
Beyond the End of the Century" on Summit Records was originally released in 1998 as "At the End of the Century" by the International Trombone Association. The ITA commissioned this project specifically for Alessi to showcase new compositions.

Dental Suite: A Review

By Peter Fielding • June 15, 2022 in Literature
These etudes are of value for those seeking repertoire for the developing musician that differs from introductory overtone, flexibility, and slide position technical exercises ubiquitous of trombonist-authored treatises

Wherein Lies the Good: A Review

By Ben Bruflat • June 01, 2022 in Recordings
Wherein Lies the Good is a fascinating experience and one that should be sought out by audiences of all backgrounds. The music transcends traditional boundaries and creates a welcoming atmosphere to experienced and casual listeners alike.

Browse all Reviews or Search the OTJ.

Send Review Items

Performers, composers and publishers that have original creative products they would like to have reviewed can either email with links to materials in electronic form or send them via postal mail.

 

Publish in the OTJ

The OTJ is seeking articles and pedagogical resources for publication. We offer editorial review or double-blind peer review depending on author's request and article content.