A Pittsburgh native and a New Yorker since the mid-1990s, Joe Fiedler studied at Allegheny College and the University of Pittsburgh before becoming an in-demand sideman, and one of the first-call trombonists in the world. A regular contributor to big bands, he has featured on recordings with the likes of Maria Schneider, Chico O’Farrill, the Mingus Big Band, Andrew Hill, Jason Lindner, Dafnis Prieto, Kenny Wheeler, Satoko Fujii, Miguel Zenón, and many more. In smaller units, Fiedler is a familiar name on the salsa and Latin circuit, performing with Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colon, Ralph Irizarry, and other major acts. His pop credits include Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Wyclef Jean, The Four Tops, Melba Moore, and Lesley Gore.
Fiedler’s work has always involved effortlessly hopping the boundary between charged free improvisation and music of more established tonal and formal parameters — “out” vs. “in,” as jazz musicians sometimes call it. With his new quartet, his latest project, ‘Will be fire’, seeks to capture a spirit present in the late Arthur Blythe’s Columbia releases of the late ’70s and early ’80s: Lenox Avenue Breakdown, Illusions, and Blythe Spirit. Discussing the project, Fiedler says,“ What really inspired me was the incredible elasticity of the group interplay…But most of all it’s the orchestration, with drums, tuba, and electric guitar as the foundation — amazing!”
Taking charge of Trombone & electronics, Fiedler is joined by the accomplished Pete McCann on guitar, Marcus Rojas on tuba, and Jeff Davis on Drums. The album exhibits his quartet’s collective experience and knowledge that results in a triumphant interaction, delivering each track with enthusiasm and assurance. Melodic and rhythmic, this is another album you can happily add to your collection.
Will Be Fire is available from November 17th, 2023, for further information on the artist.
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