Born: September 18, 1957 Primary Instrument: Trombone
John Fedchock established his career as a jazz trombonist in 1980 when he joined the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra. He toured with Woody's “Thundering Herd” for seven years, during which time he was musical director and a featured soloist. He also served as musical coordinator and chief arranger in the production of Herman's last two Grammy Award nominated albums “50th Anniversary Tour” and “Woody's Gold Star”, and received critical acclaim from jazz journalists world-wide. Famed jazz critic Leonard Feather called him the “unsung hero” of Woody's 50th Anniversary Tour album and Woody said of Fedchock, “He's my right hand man. Everything I ask of John he accomplishes, and I ask a lot. He's a major talent.” DOWN BEAT magazine stated that “it was the young blood of musicians like Fedchock that helped keep Woody Herman's last years musically healthy and growing”. Fedchock still maintains a close association with the Herman orchestra, performing with the group on occasion and continuing to add his own compositions and arrangements to the band's library.
Now an active performer and arranger in New York City, Fedchock leads his New York Big Band, a 16-piece group comprised of alumni from major big bands and stars from New York's jazz scene. Their debut recording, “New York Big Band” (Reservoir), along with follow-up CD, “On The Edge” (also Reservoir), received high praise from critics, including 4 1/2 star reviews in DOWNBEAT magazine and the appearance of both recordings in DOWNBEAT's list of “Best CDs Of The 90's”. The success of the band also resulted in Fedchock's name appearing in DOWNBEAT's Readers Poll under the catagories of Trombone, Arranger and Big Band, simultaneously for several consecutive years. His small-group project for Reservoir, “Hit The Bricks”, is a session with his own quartet and special guests, and was included in DOWNBEAT's list of “Best CDs of 2000.” In recognition of his formidable arranging skills on his New York Big Band's heralded third release “No Nonsense” (Reservoir), Fedchock was honored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences with a 2003 Grammy Award nomination for “Best Instrumental Arrangement” for his exciting chart on “Caribbean Fire Dance.”
Fedchock has toured with T.S. Monk, Gerry Mulligan's Concert Jazz Band, Louie Bellson's Big Band, the Bob Belden Ensemble and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and has performed at jazz festivals and concert halls around the world. As a solo artist, he appears throughout the United States and has toured abroad as a guest trombonist/composer/ conductor. To add to his already diverse list of multiple talents, Fedchock is also a producer of note, and has lent his studio expertise to several recent recording projects. His keen ears have also led many artists to enlist him as mix producer or consultant, adding the essential finishing touches to their recordings' post-production. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Fedchock is a graduate of The Ohio State University with degrees in Music Education and Jazz Studies. He also holds a master's degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He is a clinician and soloist for KING Instruments and conducts seminars and workshops at colleges and universities across the country. Fedchock is a Trombone Chair for the International Association of Jazz Educators' Resource Team, and has been a member of the board of advisors for the International Trombone Association. A strong advocate for arts in education, Fedchock is jazz trombone instructor at Purchase College in Purchase, NY, and a visiting jazz faculty member at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Many of his jazz compositions and arrangements are published by Kendor Music, Inc.
Awards:
2003 Grammy Nomination "Best Instrumental Arrangement".--CADENCE
“The whole band cooks and Fedchock shines throughout.”
--Mitch Meyers, DOWNBEAT
“Mainstream and modern at the same time.” --Budd Kopman, ALL ABOUT JAZZ
”Fedchock is on his way to being accepted into the Hall Of Fame of Great Arrangers.” --John Killoch, MAINLY BIG BANDS
“Cheerful syncopation, served with spit-and-polish precision.” --Nate Chinen THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Fedchock's prowess as an arranger has proven a magnet for top-drawer talent.” --Mark Holston, JAZZIZ
“...a group without gimmick, pretense or overt statement of purpose other than smart writing and great playing. It’s a real musicians’ band, stocked with highly respected veterans who welcome the chance to play some of their kind of music in a setting where everyone speaks the same language and gets a chance to shine.” David French, JazzTimes
“Fedchock's arrangements are clearly a step above. You can hear the reflection and creativity from the opening notes of each composition.” --Chris DiGirolamo, THE INSIDE CONNECTION
“super-kinetic big band jazz” --George Kanzler, HOT HOUSE
No Nonsense (Reservoir - 2002)
On the Edge (Reservoir - 1998)
New York Big Band (Reservoir - 1995)
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Primary Instrument:
Trombone
Location:
Astoria, NY
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
Purchase College (Purchase, NY)
Clinic/Workshop Information:
ABOUT THE SEMINARS
John Fedchock's credits as an experienced clinician have taken him to countless universities, colleges and high schools over the past two decades. Since his emergence on the New York scene, Fedchock has established himself as a world-class trombone soloist, a heralded bandleader, and a Grammy-nominated arranger. He brings those skills to his clinics and masterclasses, sharing his vast knowledge and experience, and giving students a look into the world of the NYC professional. Personal insights into Improvisation, Composition/Arranging, Brass Playing, and the Music Business complete the picture, providing a multi-faceted learning experience. Along with his prominent performing credentials, Fedchock's extensive jazz education background and comfortable teaching demeanor have made him a popular favorite among teachers and students alike.
Former chief arranger for the Woody Herman Orchestra, and now the leader of the critically acclaimed John Fedchock New York Big Band, Fedchock's dynamic charts span the spectrum of skill levels, allowing every ensemble to feel comfortable while enjoying the unique experience of working directly with an accomplished composer. Concert appearances showcase each ensemble's specific strengths, as well as Fedchock's extraordinary playing described by the New York Times as "dazzling trombone virtuosity".
