The Little Trombone That Could

Evening Music | May 6, 2010

In the early days of bebop, many thought the trombone was ill-suited to the new jazz style because of bebop’s quick tempo and need for technical mastery. But composer and trombonist J.J. Johnson would not be discouraged; after receiving words of encouragement from bebop master Dizzy Gillespie, Johnson shattered musician’s assumptions of the instrument and is now considered to be the greatest trombonist of all time. Tonight we spotlight a collaboration between the trombonist and Gillespie with a special broadcast of the entire Johnson/Gillespie album Perceptions as part of the 69th Annual American Music Festival.

Also Featured Tonight:

James P. Johnson / Harlem Symphony: Subway Journey
Samuel Barber / "Excursions for Piano," Op. 20
Steve Martland / American Invention
Gunther Schuller / Journey into Jazz
James Hubert ("Eubie") Blake / "Jassamine Lane"

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