JERSEY JAZZ

by Joseph Lang

Slide Attack, Road Trip

Trombonists Howard Levy and Alan Goidel (Slide Attack) teamed up to create a robust and joyful collection of original tunes titled Road Trip (self-produced). Joined by pianist Hiroshi Yamazaki, bassist Michael Goetz and drummer Chuck Zeuren, they address five selections composed by Levy, three by Goidel, and one by Yamazaki. Two trombone front lines are not common in jazz, but the success of the legendary pairing of J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding has led to occasional forays into this territory. Levy and Goidel have combined to produce a collection that grabs your attention immediately with Yamazaki’s “Spring Roll” and holds it right through the final notes of Levy’s “Bluedemic.” Both trombonists are facile players who exhibit the kind of empathy that generally results in memorable music. Slide Attack is the perfect way to attack those moments when you need some joy in your life, but it will be a nice fit no matter your mood. slideattack.com