1. Spring Activated
2. Pilska Polska
3. Cambiando Camas
4. Bluesette
5. Ike
6. If I Had You
7. Song for Birgitta
8. Karin
9. David's Dance
10. Stardust
11. Two
12. Tina
13. Seaslide
Thomas Hultén - Trombone
Steve Brown, Danny Wilson - Trumpets
Dennis Drotson - Trumpet solos
Warren Sneed - Tenor sax, alto sax
Pamela York - Piano
Mike Nase - Guitar
Andrew Gordon - Bass
David Craig - Bass
Joel Fulgham - Drums
Will Cruz - Latin percussion
Arrangements by Thomas Hulten
String Orchestra arranged by Daniel Kramlich and conducted by Dr. Robert Linder, Concertmistress - Rodica Gonzales
Thomas Hultén is a great trombone player who has a beautiful
tone, plays great jazz and has enough technique and range to execute
anything that is asked of him. He has a classical background. He started
playing trombone in the local Salvation Army Band in his home town
of Katrineholm in Sweden at the age of ten. His musical career started
in earnest in various symphony orchestras in Sweden and Norway, before
he moved to Houston, Texas to become principal trombonist with the
Grand Opera/Ballet and an affiliate at The Moore's School of Music.
He now teaches at the Baptist University and Community College and
directs the Tomball jazz ensemble.
During my musical career I have become aware of the amazing ability
of trombonists to swap genre in a way that is rarely possible for
trumpet or woodwind players, but I am not sure why this is so. In
the jazz and popular music fields, Hultén has worked with such
great names as Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett
and he has obviously benefited from these experiences.
This album is a very pleasant musical experience. As well as playing
his instrument brilliantly throughout, Thomas was also responsible
for the arrangements which are a great pleasure to listen to. He is
creative but always melodic in what he does, something that is so
important as far as I am concerned. Music that is technically brilliant
and requires all concerned to perform to the very limit of their ability
is not my bag.
The other musicians involved here are also excellent; there is no weakness I can hear. I am particularly taken with the tenor sax playing of Warren Sneed and the piano skills of Pamela York. And the rhythm section swings throughout.
Thomas Hultén's trombone is heard to great effect throughout;
his tone is perfect and his interpretation of Stardust is an
absolute joy. The string section provides a pleasant background without
getting in the way.
This record is a must for all trombone players and lovers of melodic
jazz.
Don Mather
CD Reviews
Prophone PCD 107
