Acclaimed trombonist John Fedchock to perform with NSU Jazz Orchestra Nov. 4

NATCHITOCHES - The Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra will present a concert on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. A live stream of the concert will be available at nsula.edu/capa/capalivestream. Associate Professor of Music Galindo Rodriguez will conduct the orchestra.

Trombonist John Fedchock will be the featured guest artist. Fedchock's illustrious career in jazz has spanned over four decades. Since his emergence on the scene in 1980, Fedchock has established himself as a world-class trombone soloist, a heralded bandleader and a Grammy-nominated arranger. An in-demand performer and writer in New York City, his multifaceted talents have led him to become one of NYC's premier jazz artists. His critically acclaimed John Fedchock New York Big Band has become a marquee group, showcasing Fedchock's trombone and arranging as well as the band's all-star soloists.

The band's five CDs on the MAMA and Reservoir Music labels have all received high praise from critics and extraordinary success on national jazz radio charts. The early success of the band resulted in Fedchock's name appearing in DOWNBEAT's Readers Poll under the categories of Trombone, Arranger and Big Band, simultaneously for several consecutive years. In recognition of his formidable arranging skills, Fedchock is a two-time Grammy Award nominee for "Best Instrumental Arrangement." The JFNYBB's recordings have appeared in jazz radio's Top Ten, and the New York Times has applauded the band's "cheerful syncopation, served with spit-and-polish precision." Small group projects with his quartet and NY Sextet showcase A-list sidemen along with Fedchock's "incomparable trombone playing, which seems to have no limit, technically or musically," according to JazzReview.com.

The Jazz Orchestra will play "Blue Cellophane" by Duke Ellington and transcribed by David Berger featuring Jessica Dubose on trombone, "Fascinating Rhythm" by George Gershwin and arranged by Ryan Fraley featuring Hayden Hirons on alto saxophone, Jarrett Thomisee on baritone saxophone, Juan Arrieta on trumpet and Tim Pursell on tenor saxophone, "Volando-Joropo" by Joe Gallardo featuring Wolfgang A. Otero on trumpet, Angel Maradiaga on congas and Rafael Melgar Caceres on drum set.

Fedchock will be featured on several of his compositions including "Skylight" with Fedchock on trombone and Daniel Scott on tenor saxophone, "Bossa Rio" with Fedchock on trombone and Candace Paul of piano, "Big Bruiser" with Fedchock on trombone, Arrieta on flugelhorn and Scott on tenor saxophone, "Brazilian Fantasy" with Fedchock on trombone and Colin Stevens on alto saxophone and "Ruby, My Dear" by Thelonious Monk and arranged by Fedchock and prepared for publication by Rob Duboff and Jeffrey Sultance with Fedchock on trombone.

Photo caption

Trombonist John Fedchock will be the featured guest artist with the Northwestern State University Jazz Orchestra in a concert on Monday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Photo by Stephanie McKendrick.