Review

Kurt Dietrich
Jazz ‘Bones: The World of Jazz Trombones:

Rottenburg, , Germany
Publisher: Advance Music
Date of Publication: 2005

612 pages. Soft cover.

Primary Genre: Study Material - book

Kurt Dietrich has done it again! Following up on his important addition to music history: Duke’s ‘Bones: Ellington’s Great Trombonists, Dietrich has taken it many steps further with his latest effort. Jazz ‘Bones is quite simply the most thorough, complete, and exhaustive work on the history of jazz trombone on the market today. In the forward, jazz great Jiggs Whigham declares Kurt’s work to be a masterpiece. I agree completely. Here is a volume that moves chronologically from the earliest known jazz trombonists (a wonderful discussion of just who might fit the bill as “the first jazz trombonist” is found in the Pioneers chapter) all the way to the end of the 20th century with a listing of young trombonists who “bear watching in the future.” While Jazz ‘Bones is certainly a scholarly work, meticulously researched with footnotes, index, registry of trombonist’s dates and discographies as well as bibliographies at the end of each chapter, it reads like an enjoyable coffee table tome.

This reviewer’s personal favorites: J.J. Johnson, Slide Hampton, Curtis Fuller, Carl Fontana, and Frank Rosolino are all covered extensively with a complete chapter reserved for Jay, and a wonderful Four Modern Giants chapter dedicated to the rest. I particularly enjoyed Kurt’s emphasis on Slide’s composition and arranging brilliance along with his playing. In fact, wherever a trombonist has also contributed to the art via writing, Dietrich offers astute commentary with helpful discography references. Along with the famous trombonists, however, there is a real wealth of information concerning lesser known artists who have made serious contributions to jazz and influenced countless musicians. Kurt’s chapter on Stylists and Journeymen is a perfect example of this “shedding some much-needed light” on these important yet under-covered trombone artists.

It almost goes without saying that this work should be a part of every trombonist’s library, regardless of style specialty. But I will say it anyway, and loudly: every trombonist should add this important work to his collection! In one volume Dietrich has captured the on-going history of our instrument in jazz. In his own words via his Epilogue, Kurt gives us the best reason of all to own this book and to use it as a doorway for hearing and appreciating these great artists: “In our lamentably imperfect world, this wonderful music stands as a daily reminder of creativity, beauty, and nobility.”

-Steve Wiest
University of North Texas