Don Immel - Long Way Home

The trombone is characterized by that uniquely velvety tone which blesses every note it produces. Consequently it is hard to determine why the instrument is so little used in contemporary jazz circles yet, despite isolated but notable contributions by Jeff Bradshaw and Bill Richenbach (plus significant flirtations by Brian Culbertson), one performer set to change all that is the pioneering Don Immel. His current release ‘Long Way Home’ sets out to establish the trombone as a credible, solo, smooth jazz instrument and the good news is that this eclectic ten track collection does so to perfection.

Immel (pronounced em-uhl) is recognized as a world-class trombonist and one of the few who can play equally well in the fields of jazz, classical, pop and chill. His resume reads like a ‘who’s who’ of music and his work as a backing musician for Elvis Costello and Lynda Ronstadt, plus stints with the likes of Chris Botti and Larry Coryell, make even more remarkable the fact that he has served as principle trombonist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and the national Danish South Jutland Symphony Orchestra. Having also played on Hollywood film soundtracks such as ‘Matrix 3’, ‘Keeping The Faith’ and ‘The Mothman Prophecies’ his versatility is unrivalled and now, with ‘Long Way Home’, he is really taking center stage.

The album kicks off with the smooth jazz infused title tune. It possesses a wonderfully mellow vibe and in many ways sets the mood for the entire piece. Although tracks like ‘See The Memo’ and ‘Lemonade Alchemy’ have a jazzy funkiness about them, Immel always ensures that things remain deliciously in control. He does so to stunning effect with the understated ‘Leaving Paradise’ and the equally enchanting ‘Still In Love’ which is further bejeweled by piano from Marc Seales.

Adventurous excursions into ‘chill’ result in the spine tingling ‘Dualife’ and the intoxicatingly claustrophobic ‘Charm Offensive’ while ‘Last Dance’ is an evocative masterpiece that marries Immel's dulcet trombone tones with vibes from Ben Thomas and the cello of Walter Gray. Immel also finds the time and the imagination to include two non-instrumental numbers. ‘Fools Full Quiver’ has a soothing Latin groove as the backdrop to Jake Bergevin’s cool vocal yet something of a show stealer is the slow and sultry overhaul of the Led Zeppelin classic ‘Whole Lotta’. The initial trepidation of seeing a Zeppelin tune on the track list is quickly dispelled by the exquisite singing voice of Chandray Moore which, quite simply, is a joy from beginning to end.

‘Long Way Home’ is a million miles from the formulaic trap that some of today’s contemporary jazz is in grave danger of falling into. Yet with its rhythm and melody, spliced with innovation and courage, it is an album that should be heard.

For more go to www.donimmel.com