Personnel:
Dave Wells, Roy Main, Jack Redmond, Bill Yeager, Andy Martin (tb), John Leys, Art Perelman (b-tb), John Banister (p), Bill Ryan (g), Richard Maloof (b), Ken Maldonado (d)
Reference: FSRCD1163
Bar code: 8427328611633
The Dave Wells Trombone City Band was one of the most distinctive and ambitious jazz ensembles to emerge from Los Angeles in the 1980s. Led by its founder and tireless driving force, Dave Wells (1931–2003)—a vastly underrated bass trumpeter, trombonist, and arranger long active on the West Coast big band scene—the group was formed in 1981 and featured seven trombones and a rhythm section, inspired by earlier all-trombone projects like The Trombones, Inc. and Tutti’s Trombones.
Throughout its more than twelve years of existence, the band performed with a mix of precision and creativity that became its trademark. Under Wells’ direction, the group developed a repertoire filled with intricate arrangements and compelling improvisations, featuring both fast-paced and soulful compositions. Trombone solos—especially by Wells himself—were often the highlight, supported by a lush, harmonic ensemble sound that elevated each player.
Their performances left a lasting mark on the LA jazz scene, drawing a loyal following of fans and trombonists alike. Though they never released a studio album, their live shows became legendary for their energy, musicality, and bold concept. This CD is a long-overdue tribute to Dave Wells and his unforgettable Trombone City Band.
—Jordi Pujol
"Yes, at one time Los Angeles had a vibrant jazz scene, and Carmelo’s on Van Nuys Boulevard was one of my favorite hangouts. Five bucks to get in, two drink minimum, free parking, every seat within spitting distance of the stage, and the best mainstream jazz you’d ever want to hear.
The best part about LA music was that you’d get the studio guys that made a living playing jingles and movie soundtracks looking for some night time opportunities to work their chops, so Carmelo’s was the perfect place to try new ideas, such as this one by trombonist Dave Wells. With five trombones, TWO bass trombones and a rhythm team of John Banister/p, Bill Ryan/g, Richard Maloof/b and Ken Maldonado/dr Wells features more sliding than a Lou Brock/Ricky Henderson faceoff, and more bones than an ossuary, as the horns literally go all out on the upbeat “Goin’ All Out” and are as bold as brass tacks around a young Andy Martin’s solo on ‘Twist Of The Wrist Retwisted”. The rhythm team gives a nice slow and slinky Basie pulse for the leader’s solo on ”Lil Honey Pott” while the sliders saunter on “Struttin’ Happy.” The horns go staccato around Maloof’s bass on “Jazz Bone Samba” and Ryan gets a chance to step out front on the pretty “Song For My Lady.”
The other thing that makes this recording so special was that this previously unreleased recording was of a band that never made any albums of its own, so this recording from Wells’ own personal cassette tape is the only memory we have of this one-off band. That shows how fresh and exciting the LA scene was back in the day. Was my life really this good?"
—George W. Harris (June 15, 2020)
https://www.jazzweekly.com/
