Us, composed by Thad Jones in 1970 and originally recorded that same year, is one of the pieces which defined the new sound of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. While being one of the most successful, early melding of big band instrumentation with rock rhythms and rhythm section instruments, it also includes an a cappella chorus for the ?band? (for this version, read: ?trombones?) and intricate saxophone lines which are challenging but very rewardingly playable.

David Fletcher has done a magnificent job of translating the richness of Thad?s voicings and the exuberance and spirit of this piece to the Trombone quintet plus rhythm section instrumentation of the University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble, who have performed it at both American Trombone Workshops and International Trombone Festivals.

David Fletcher, a member of the award winning University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble under the direction of Jim Pugh arranged this great chart for Trombone Quintet and rhythm section. It is about 4 minutes in length and includes improvised jazz solos for Trombone 2 and Electric Guitar.

Here is what the arranger, Ross Holcombe says about his great scoring of this wonderful and unique work by Ives.

Ives finished the majority of his Concord Sonata, from which this movement is excerpted, in 1915. According to Ives, the piece reflects on the old Alcott house in Concord, MA, but I feel a greater struggle in this work than a mere journal about a piece of architecture. The fact that Ives quotes Beethoven?s 5th Symphony so extensively makes me wonder about his views on destiny, fate, the future, and the creative process.

The piece starts serenely but quickly devolves into uncertainty, doubt, and anger. A floating interlude brings us back to distant memories where we remember that we are shaped by our past, but have control of the direction of our future. Building on that realization and quickly gaining steam, the piece ends with a powerful and joyful climax. The angry Beethoven theme is transformed into one of power, hope, and light. A feeling of calm and contentment ends the piece, finally coming to rest on one simple C major chord.

This work is scored for 10 trombones: 1 alto, 7 tenor, and 2 bass trombones and is appropriate for advanced performers.

Stuart O'Neil has written a new work entitled "Machinery" in 4 movements for 6-part Trombone ensemble and Percussion. Below is the composer's explanation of his exciting and dramatic work."The four pieces in this collection are written for 6-part trombone ensemble and accompanying percussion; they may be performed together or individually. Each piece is a study in the trombone?s distinct glissando capability and should be approached in a relatively aggressive, but not overly serious, manner: concert music, but with considerable jazz-rock influence, especially in regards to rhythm and dynamics. The pieces are similar, but each has its own character."1. Machine is a well-oiled, highly-functioning machine, with all parts efficiently working together.2. Rush Hour is a hectic, busy traffic scene, but somewhat cartoon-like.3. Suspension Bridge is strong metal under extreme stress, straining but not breaking.4. Assembly Line is a factory conveyor belt: loud, busy, with lots of heavy machinery.This 10 minute work is appropriate for advanced performers.

Hill Country Miniatures for 8-part Trombone Ensemble was written by Richard J. Lawn in 2002 for the Trombone Choir at the University of Texas and its director Nathaniel Brickens. The work is dedicated to Donald Knaub its former director. It has become a staple in the American Trombone Ensemble repertoire since its original release. Mr. Lawn explains in the notes, his deep emotional connection to the Hill Country land and to his days at the Eastman School of Music, hearing the legendary Trombone Choir led by Emory Remington and following through to his days at the University of Texas with Knaub and Brickens, all of which inspired him to compose this work.

This music is about 15 minutes in length and is for advanced performers.

The four movements of the work are:

Hickory Cove - September 2001 - a lyrical, somber and solemn introductory movement.

Smithwick - a jaunty piece reflecting the Scottish and English heritage of this tiny Texas spot.

The Narrows - As part of the Colorado River narrows, it twists and turns its way through the Texas Hill Country. You can hear the gentle waters winding through the cliffs and slopes.

Blue Bonnet Boogie - The springtime brings a profusion of the Blue Bonnet, the Texas state flower. A sea of these swaying in the breeze brings out the good old down-home boogie-woogie! A jazz solo featuring Bass Trombone (written for Bill Reichenbach in mind) with solo written out or improvised using chord symbols adds a festive finish.

Cherry Classics is proud to be the new distributor of this great work.