Reprint of an article to be published in the Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society May, 2001 newsletter

Jazz on A Saturday Afternoon

at the Warehouse

"A Tribute to J.J. Johnson"

with the

High Altitude Trombone Quartet and Friends

by Bill Holst

PPJASS member, founder of the High Altitude Trombone Quartet, and trombonist with the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra

Join the High Altitude Trombone Quartet (HATQ) and friends on May 12 at 3 pm for our return visit to the Warehouse (25 W. Cimarron). We will present a program featuring several of the finest trombone players in the area. This will be an afternoon to hear trombones and rhythm section in several jazz styles. We have invited our "friends," noted trombonists Ryan Haines, Rick Crafts, Mark Burditt, Andy Holst, and Karl Bradley to join us. Also, the Springs Contemporary Jazz Big rhythm section will be "laying it down."

Ok, you might ask, "What is the HATQ doing scheduling a jazz concert? We thought you were a strictly classical group." Perhaps I can answer this with the following background information.

The High Altitude Trombone Quartet was founded in 1997 to promote the use of the trombone in a variety of settings. Our mission statement states that the quartet "is a dedicated group of professional musicians whose mission is to broaden the acceptance of the trombone in chamber music settings. The group was co-founded by Bill Holst and Jeremy Van Hoy. Our name, High Altitude, refers to not only our home state of Colorado, but the high artistic standards toward which we aspire. We believe that our name represents our musical diversity and excellence."

The key words here are "chamber music" and "diversity." Jazz is one of the more interesting forms of chamber music, with roots in Renaissance and Baroque improvisation. Certainly a "classical" group playing jazz is "diverse." The trombone has always seemed to be a part of jazz, even though Ken Burns left it out completely.

Lenny asked, "But does the HATQ swing?" Well, I surely hope so, otherwise people will go away sorely disappointed. As trombonists, we are used to working with musicians and music of all flavors and styles. Over the years, the CSSO brought in people like Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinson, and Mel Torme. You get nothing but straight-ahead jazz from these folks. Several of us backed up the Four Freshmen last fall - more straight-ahead jazz.

It is difficult for a trombonist to really get locked into one genre; e.g. Ryan Haines (a great jazz player!) has performed with the quartet several times in "classical" settings. Rick Crafts (I thought he was a "jazzer", too!) played the alto trombone part on the CSSO Mozart Requiem performance last weekend. My son Andy Holst, who is classically trained, plays with a hot Salsa band in the area. So, if there is a gig, a trombonist will take it and "embrace" the musical style needed. [Mandatory humor content] The trombonist, when asked after his New Year's Eve gig, "You sounded great; can you play this again next year?" responded, "Sure, but may I leave my horn?"

We are planning a program that covers the jazz sound and style of the trombone from Dorsey and Teagarden through Kenton and Fedchock. Jerome Davis will repeat his narration of the classic "Frankie and Johnny." If you like the music and sounds of Miles Davis, Gershwin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lennon and McCartney, J. J. Johnson, Cole Porter and Stan Kenton, then you cannot go wrong with this concert. Be there, or be square!

Check out the HATQ website at www .hatq.org!