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John Fedchock
John 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 JFNYBB’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” (JazzReview.com).
Fedchock began his career as a jazz trombonist when he joined the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra in 1980. He toured with Woody’s “Thundering Herd” for seven years, during which time he was musical director and a featured soloist. He served as musical coordinator and chief arranger in the production of Herman’s last two Grammy Award nominated albums “50th Anniversary Tour” and “Woody’s Gold Star”, and received accolades from jazz journalists worldwide. Famed jazz critic Leonard Feather called him the “unsung hero” of Woody’s “50th Anniversary Tour” album and Woody said of Fedchock, “He’s my right hand man. Everything I ask of John he accomplishes, and I ask a lot. He’s a major talent.” DOWNBEAT magazine stated that, “it was the young blood of musicians like Fedchock that helped keep Woody Herman’s last years musically healthy and growing”. Fedchock still maintains a close association with the Herman orchestra, performing with the group on occasion and continuing to add his own compositions and arrangements to the band’s library.
Fedchock has toured with T.S. Monk, Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band, Louie Bellson Big Band, Bob Belden Ensemble, Manhattan Jazz Orchestra, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and has performed at jazz festivals and concert halls around the world. As a solo artist, he appears throughout the United States and abroad performing as guest trombonist/composer/conductor. To add to his already diverse list of multiple talents, Fedchock is also a producer of note, and has lent his studio expertise to several recent recording projects.
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John Fedchock: Justifiably J.J.
by Jack Bowers
Among jazz trombonists with a sense of history, the name J.J. Johnson is spoken with an admiration that borders on reverence. Johnson was a pacesetter, a creative and articulate slideman and improviser who, either alone or with sometime partner Kai Winding, held the keys to the trombone kingdom from the early 1940s until his retirement more than half a century later. In the early '40s, Johnson brought the trombone--long associated with swing and Dixieland bands--forward into the bop world of ...
Continue ReadingMatt Dwonszyk, John Fedchock, Tomohiro Mori, Michael Mayo and more
by Benjamin Boddie
Today's Music--Right Now! Fantastic music by Matt Dwonszyk, John Fedchoock, Tomohiro Mori, Michael Mayo, Music Soup, Charles Ruggiero, Delfeayo Marsalis, Diane Marino, Miki Yamanaka, The Headhunters, Brandon Sanders, Sarah Hanahan, Anne Sajdera, Immanuel Wilkins, DJ Allen, Bob Baldwin, Matt Panayides, Tania Grubbs, Terry Gibbs, Mike Stern, and more. Playlist Matt Dwonszyk “Groovin' On Wine" from Donny Time (Truth Revolution Recording Collective) 00:00 John Fedchock “Ten 85" from Justifiably J.J. (Summit) 06:07 Tomohiro Mori “Let Me Stay" from Prana ...
Continue ReadingCharlie Parker, Jim Self, Quincy Jones & John Fedchock
by Joe Dimino
Welcome to the 876th episode of Neon Jazz, where we kick things off in style with legendary trombonist John Fedchock live from Indianapolis. We start with his rendition of “Say When," a tribute to the iconic J.J. Johnson, celebrating what would have been the trombone master's 100th birthday. From there, we dive into fresh Charlie Parker material, captured live in Kansas City. Next, we turn to a seasoned veteran of the KC jazz scene, Frank Smith, with selections from his ...
Continue ReadingJohn Fedchock: Justifiably J.J.
by Pierre Giroux
The accomplished trombonist John Fedchock has released Justifiably J.J., a heartfelt tribute to one of the most innovative figures in jazz, trombonist J.J. Johnson on the occasion of his centennial. Recorded live at The Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 3, 2024 (Johnson's hometown), Fedchock was accompanied by three top players: pianist Steve Allee, bassist Jeremy Allen and drummer Sean Dobbins. The session features eight swinging compositions written by or associated with Johnson, but instead of attempting to reinvent or ...
Continue ReadingJohn Fedchock: Justifiably J.J.
by Dan McClenaghan
J.J. Johnson saved his instrument from possible obscurity. Rarely used as a front-line instrument pre-Johnson, the trombone might have faded away when bebop came along. Bebop--all those rapid-fire notes from trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. At that time, the trombone was considered too cumbersome to navigate the chord changes and the rhythmic fury of the new music. J.J. Johnson proved otherwise, starting with several recording dates for Prestige and Savoy Records from 1946 to 1949.
Continue ReadingMy Conversation with John Fedchock
by AAJ Staff
This article was first published on All About Jazz in December 2000. Hit The Bricks, John Fedchock's first small-group record as a leader, has been eagerly awaited by old friends and long time fans who know him not only as the confident and competent leader of big bands, but as a lyrical, innovative soloist who can assume his role as a player in any combination of small group settings. Fedchock's career began with a leap into ...
Continue ReadingJennifer Wharton's Bonegasm: Grit & Grace
by Jack Bowers
Asked to name the traits women most need to succeed in today's business world, Forbes magazine in a 2019 article underlined two of them as “grit and grace." One woman who took the advice to heart is bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton. She came late to jazz but has since made it her domain of choice, founding the trombone-centric septet Bonegasm and recording three albums under its name, the most recent of which, Grit & Grace, endorses Forbes' position by using ...
Continue ReadingJohn Fedchock New York Big Band Live at Iridium, Tuesday September 8
Source:
Michael Ricci
The John Fedchock New York Big Band makes a special appearance at Iridium in NYC on Tuesday September 8, performing two sets at 8pm & 10pm. Made up of New York's jazz elite, the group is stocked with NYC's premier soloists featured in a variety of settings, including straight- ahead big band charts, as well as more progressive and innovative styles. The performance will showcase Fedchock's Grammy-nominated arranging, with material from all four of the band's outstanding CDs including it's ...
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Trombonist/Composer John Fedchock Interviewed at AAJ
Source:
All About Jazz
On October 30, 31 and November 1, 2008, the University of the Arts will hold an exciting symposium and series of concerts dedicated to the memory of the great trumpeter, Clifford Brown. This interview, with trombonist/big band leader John Fedchock, is the second of two interviews conducted in advance of this event, sponsored by the University of the Arts and the Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Project, the first being with legendary saxophonist Lou Donaldson.
At the performance, Fedchock will be premiering ...
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12th Annual Illinois State University Jazz Festival Set for April 4 and 5
Source:
All About Jazz
Trombonist and composer John Fedchock will be the guest artist at the 12th annual Illinois State University Jazz Festival for junior high and high school bands on April 4 and 5 in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall. There will be 8 p.m. concert both evenings featuring Fedchock playing with the ISU Jazz Ensemble. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $8 for faculty-staff and $7 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at the Center ...
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Grammy-Nominated Composer/Trombonist John Fedchock Plays Chicago!
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 8:00 PM John Fedchock with Rob Parton's JazzTech Big Band Featuring music from Fedchock's new CD, Up & Running Metropolis Center, 111 W Campbell, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 www.metropolisarts.com
Friday & Saturday, March 30-31, 2007 John Fedchock/Paul McKee Quintet The Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 878 5552, www.greenmilljazz.com
On Tuesday, March 20 Reservoir Music Proudly Releasesd UP ...
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Grammy-Nominated Composer/Trombonist John Fedchock on Tour
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
GRAMMY-NOMINATED COMPOSER/TROMBONIST JOHN FEDCHOCK ON TOUR
Dates scheduled in Denver, Albuquerque, Miami, Chicago, Kansas City, Rochester and more--see details below
On Tuesday, March 20 Reservoir Music Proudly Releases UP & RUNNING from The JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND
“... dazzling trombone virtuosity"--New York Times
“Fedchock plays with a dark, virile, sharply etched tone, and he's as well organized and aware of texture in his articulate solos as he is in his terrific arrangements"--Neil Tesser, Chicago Reader
Grammy nominated and ...
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Grammy Nominated Jazz Artist John Fedchock in Colorado February 18-24!!
Source:
All About Jazz
GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTIST JOHN FEDCHOCK APPEARING IN CLINICS, CONCERTS AND MASTERCLASSES IN COLORADO-FEBRUARY 18-24!
THE JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND - UP & RUNNING New Recording Available March 20 on Reservoir Music
“Fedchock plays with a dark, virile, sharply etched tone, and he's as well organized and aware of texture in his articulate solos as he is in his terrific arrangements" --Neil Tesser, CHICAGO READER
Grammy nominated and world renowned trombonist, composer/arranger and big band leader ...
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John Fedchock New York Big Band at the Jazz Standard, One Night Only - February 6
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND AT THE JAZZ STANDARD, ONE NIGHT ONLY - FEBRUARY 6, IN CELEBRATION of UP & RUNNING (New Recording Available March 20 on Reservoir Music)
“... dazzling trombone virtuosity"-THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Fedchock plays with a dark, virile, sharply etched tone, and he's as well organized and aware of texture in his articulate solos as he is in his terrific arrangements" Neil Tesser, CHICAGO READER
The John Fedchock New York Big ...
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John Fedchock New York Big Band CD Release Performances!
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
JOHN FEDCHOCK NEW YORK BIG BAND AT THE JAZZ STANDARD, ONE NIGHT ONLY - FEBRUARY 6, IN CELEBRATION of “UP & RUNNING" (New Recording Available March 20 on Reservoir Music!) Also at The IAJE Convention-Sheraton Hotel, January 13 at 6PM “...dazzling trombone virtuosity..." -THE NEW YORK TIMES “Fedchock plays with a dark, virile, sharply etched tone, and he's as well organized and aware of texture in his articulate solos as he is in his terrific arrangements." -Neil Tesser, CHICAGO READER ...
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TrombonesOnline.com Features John Fedchock and Holiday Promotions!
Source:
All About Jazz
TrombonesOnline.com Features John Fedchock and Holiday Promotions! TrombonesOnline.com, the leading online provider of trombone equipment, related products and content, today announced that this month they will be featuring New York jazz trombonist, band leader, composer, arranger and clinician John Fedchock. “A big part of the Trombonesonline business model is to feature great trombonists of all genres", said Steve Eichen, partner and business developer of TrombonesOnline. “We are thrilled to be working with John and his publisher ...
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TrombonesOnline.com to Feature John Fedchock's CDs and Catalogue of Etudes and Compositions & arrangements!
Source:
All About Jazz
John Fedchock established his career as a jazz trombonist in 1980 when he joined the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra. He toured with Woody's “Thundering Herd" for seven years, during which time he was musical director and a featured soloist. He also served as musical coordinator and chief arranger in the production of Herman's last two Grammy Award nominated albums “50th Anniversary Tour" and “Woody's Gold Star", and received critical acclaim from jazz journalists world- wide. Famed jazz critic Leonard Feather ...
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"Tantalizing big-band Jazz, served New York-style."
—CADENCE "The whole band cooks and Fedchock shines throughout."
—Mitch Meyers, DOWNBEAT "Mainstream and modern at the same time." —Budd Kopman, ALL ABOUT JAZZ "Fedchock is on his way to being accepted into the Hall Of Fame of Great Arrangers." —John Killoch, MAINLY BIG BANDS "Cheerful syncopation, served with spit-and-polish precision." —Nate Chinen THE NEW YORK TIMES "Fedchock's prowess as an arranger has proven a magnet for top- drawer talent." —Mark Holston, JAZZIZ "...a group without gimmick, pretense or overt statement of purpose other than smart writing and great playing
Primary Instrument
Trombone
Location
New York City
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
Purchase College (Purchase, NY)
Clinic/Workshop Information
John Fedchock's credits as an experienced clinician have taken him to countless universities, colleges and high schools over the past two decades. Since his emergence on the New York scene, Fedchock has established himself as a world- class trombone soloist, a heralded bandleader, and a Grammy-nominated arranger. He brings those skills to his clinics and masterclasses, sharing his vast knowledge and experience, and giving students a look into the world of the NYC professional. Personal insights into Improvisation, Composition/Arranging, Brass Playing, and the Music Business complete the picture, providing a multi-faceted learning experience. Along with his prominent performing credentials, Fedchock's extensive jazz education background and comfortable teaching demeanor have made him a popular favorite among teachers and students alike.
Siya Charles
trombonePhotos
Music
Be Normal
From: Grit & GraceBy John Fedchock
Be Normal
From: Grit & GraceBy John Fedchock
You And The Night And The Music
From: Like It IsBy John Fedchock
Videos
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John Fedchock
Location: New York City
Instrument: Trombone
Born: September 18, 1957
