NOW AVAILABLE!!

Carl Fontana - John Fedchock Quintet

 "Live At Capozzoli's"

Recorded in February of 2000, this late night jam session at Capozzoli’s in Las Vegas features John Fedchock with the legendary Carl Fontana stretching out on a variety of standards.  The rhythm section includes pianist Brian O’Rourke, bassist Tom Warrington and drummer Dom Moio.  Now available online at Woofy Productions.

http://www.woofyproductions.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WPDDL103

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DOWNBEAT magazine

December 2010

John Fedchock NY Sextet

"Live At The Red Sea Jazz Festival"

Capri Records 74102

 Trombonist/bandleader John Fedchock was fortunate to record his New York Sextet's performance at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, Israel, and so are we.  A veteran of Woody Herman's '80s groups where he served as writer, soloist and musical director, Fedchock has led his own big bands for almost two decades.  Drawing players from his larger groups for this swinging affair, Fedchock has organized an impressive small-group showcase.

 Besides Fedchock's own burnished trombone sound, pianist Allen Farnham, tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf and trumpeter Scott Wendholt all provide worthwhile solos and are solid ensemble players.  The group performs four Fedchock originals, a Tom Harrell piece and Duke Ellington's "Caravan."  The lengthy opening tune, "This Just In," shows the group in sync, sounding cool and confident despite playing in 90-degree heat.  Bassist David Finck and drummer Dave Ratajczak consistently provide smooth, flowing undercurrents that allow the other band members to shine. 

 Fedchock himself thrives as a soloist in this setting, and his compositions are well arranged and uniformly strong.  Harrell's "Moon Alley" is a smart choice for a cover tune, and everybody gets a chance to step forward and blow convincingly.  "Elvin's Empire" is Fedchock's tribute to drummer Elvin Jones -- it's a brooding mid-tempo composition with a classic feel that's a throwback to the '60s.  "Caravan" was chosen in lieu of the festival's desert surroundings, and it fits nicely within the sextet's aesthetic.  Here's hoping Fedchock can keep this group out on the road so their impressive rapport can evolve even further. 

-Mitch Myers, DOWNBEAT