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The Great Fontana
by Carl Fontana
from Uptown Jazz
Release Date : 1995-03-24
Sales Rank : 149942
List Price: $17.99 Our Price: $17.99
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The Great Fontana Tracks:
Disc 1
1. Shoutin' on a Riff
2. It Might as Well Be Spring
3. Soon
4. I Thought About You
5. Showcase
6. Polka Dots and Moonbeams
7. Always
8. Expubident
9. What's New?
10. America the Beautiful
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Average Customer Rating : 
Total Customer Reviews : 9
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The Great Fontana Customer Reviews:
Meet your new favorite trombonist
It seems unbelievable that it took until 1985 for Carl Fontana to record his first album as a solo artist. His career started in the early 1950s, and he played with great bands like Woody Herman and Stan Kenton, followed by many years backing up top performers in Las Vegas and working alongside other great jazz players. During that time, he proved that he was one of the most gifted jazz soloists ever to pick up a trombone. It's lamentable that he didn't leave us with many more recordings to enjoy, but we can certainly be glad he did leave us this one.
The quintet features a great rhythm section and the formidable tenor sax talent of another jazz legend, Al Cohn. A variety of settings, from bop to ballad, give the two horn men plenty of room to stretch. Prepare yourself to be inspired, thrilled, seduced, and generally enriched by these 10 tracks (including four tracks that were not on the original LP release).
The liner notes provide interesting insights into Fontana's career and personality. The music gives you all the insights you need regarding his skill and taste, so don't miss it. Also, check out "Trombone Heaven," a 1978 live performance that pairs Fontana with Frank Rosolino.
The Man is a Genius!
This is an excellent album. I really dig Fontana's bop work. There are a few times where the tenor sax seems to overpower Carl, but it sure doesn't detract from the overall effect. The rhythm section has a nice grove and it all adds up to an excellent work. Trombone is a dificult instrument to capture on a recording, but this is a must for any trombonist like myself, or people who just appreciate darn good music and genius solos.
The Great Fontana
Needless to say I"m biased since Carl grew up in Monroe! But, I have followed his career (since I was a former disc jockey)and in my opinion he ranks in the top five consisting of Bill Harris,Bobby Knight (also from Monroe),Bill Watrous,and Frank Rosolino. None of the above, except Carl, played ballads like Carl Did. Great album. (wish you had more of Carl's CD's.
The Trombone
Of all the musical instruments in use today, the trombone is one of, if not the most difficult of instruments. I know because I have one and Fontana's command of the instrument is quite awesome. I wish I could play like that but it takes many years of practice plus an innate talent. This album testifies to both these requirements as well as being a delight for listening.
The Great Fontana - WHAT A GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT!!!
Carl Fontana has no peers. He puts the trombone to his mouth and the most swinging, articulate, lyrical, expressive, original phrasing just flows forth from his musical genius! Simply stunning! His straight-ahead swinging technique seems as effortless as breathing. He never appears to reach for a single note or to be at a loss for "words". He shines particularly brightly on this, his own album where he is front and center playing what he wants the way he wants. Al Cohn brings to the party the consummate lyricism of his tenor sax - the perfect complement to Fontana. They have the support of a superb rhythm section: Richard Wyands, piano; Ray Drummond, bass; Akira Tana, drums. This album flat out cooks, in the most gorgeous and elegant manner. Every cut is fantastic, from bop to ballads - they all swing to their core. My favorite is which ever one I am listening to at any given moment, but I think the most amazing is "It Might As Well Be Spring" - all Fontana for umpty-dozen choruses, each one hotter than the one before; he relinquishes the floor to the piano for a few choruses - probably to keep the trombone from melting down - then comes roaring back with an a cappella solo that curls my toes; the rhythm section rejoins him to take it out. A big surprise is the swinging rendition of "America the Beautiful" set to a Latin rhythm. That and several other cuts that did not appear on the original LP release, are incredible bonuses on this phenomenal album that ranks as one of my all-time favorites! FONTANA CAN PLAY THAT SACKBUT!!!
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