Review

Ilja Reijngoud
No Substitute:

Coventry, , United Kingdom
Publisher: Warwick Music Publishers
Date of Publication: 2004
URL: http://www.warwickmusic.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Jazz Material - ensemble
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 6 trombones

Recipient of the Thelonious Monk/BMI Award in 2003 for this composition, Reijngoud presents a harmonized version of his solo work for six trombones. The solo part is indicated for trombone one and the lead part is trombone two. An eight bar vamp begins this work, establishing a contemporary Latin groove in the rhythm section with an optional improvised solo. A 16-bar layered transition leads into the head of the tune played by the soloist with minimal accompaniment. Irregular phrase lengths follow the traditional 16-bar repeated A section of the head, making the B section quite engaging. A brief 8-measure return to the A section precedes a restatement of the 16-bar layered transition material, which is followed by an open improvisation section. Background figures are creatively harmonized in unison rhythms. A ‘shout’ section then occurs providing the soloist a chance to regroup before returning to the head and ending of the tune.

The lead trombone two part is eventually written in treble clef and calls for a confident d2. Aside from the obvious ensemble issues, establishing a consistent style is the main technical challenge. Ensemble figures are not overly complex and stylistic marks are appropriately indicated. Harmonies are modal in nature, and the orchestration requires careful tuning among the parts. A strong soloist and mature rhythm section are necessary to effectively perform this work. All parts have awkward page turns. Having heard several incredible jazz trombone ensembles at the various conferences, this chart will provide them a fresh addition to their repertoire and enable the ensemble to show-off talented soloists. 

-David Stern
Lewiston, Maine