John Fedchock - Justifiably J.J.: A Centennial Tribute (Live at The Jazz Kitchen, Indianapolis, 2024) (2024)

2024 is the centennial year of the legendary trombonist JJ Johnson. When John Fedchock, one of the current greats on that instrument was asked to perform a tribute to Johnson at The Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, Johnson’s hometown, he was not doing so with the intent to create a tribute album. With Fedchock’s permission, the sound engineer recorded the music. When Fedchock heard the results, he was happy to have the material released. The results can be heard on Justifiably J.J.: A Centennial Tribute/Live in Indianapolis (Summit – 828). Joined by pianist Steve Allee, bassist Jeremy Allen and drummer Steve Dobbins, three of the best jazz cats in Indianapolis, they explore eight tunes, seven composed by Johnson, “Naptown U.S.A.,” “Short Cake,” “Kenya,” “Say When,” “Lament,” “Minor Mist” and “Ten 85,” plus Manny Albam’s “Lullaby of Jazzland. Johnson was the first player to master the demands of bebop on the trombone, and he served as an inspiration for most jazz trombonists who followed him. Fedchock is among the finest current practitioners on the instrument and demonstrates the kind of fluidity on the horn that few can match. Justifiably J.J. reflects the inspiration of Johnson as both a musician and composer. Well done, John Fedchock!

-Joe Lang for Jersey Jazz