This CD is my contribution to the wealth of trombone recording projects. After 35 years of recording in all forms; TV and movie sound tracks, records, commercials and CD's this is my chance to be heard as a soloist. The choice of tunes is eclectic and contrasting. I have always loved the lyrical sound of the trombone and have strived to make this my trademark. I believe it is also one of the most difficult things to do well on the instrument. The concept of the album is meant to be similar to that of a vocal/jazz album with the trombone taking the part of the vocalist. I would like to thank Tom Peterson for his fine playing on this project as well as his guidance as producer of the CD. I thank him also for his wonderful arrangements and most of all for his 40 years of friendship. We met while in the Army Field Band in 1969. Thank you also to Peter Woodford for his excellent work in recording, mixing and mastering this CD. His musical knowledge and judgment is greatly appreciated. Thank you also to one of the finest rhythm sections anywhere: Tom Garvin - Piano Larry Koonse - Guitar Joe LaBarbara - Drums Dave Carpenter - Bass Dave Carpenter was a wonderful bass player and exceptional musician who tragically died a few short weeks after this project was recorded. This CD was his last recording project before his untimely death. Dave’s final recorded solos can be heard on Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most and Megan’s March. He is greatly missed by all of us. The program contains a variety of styles and includes standards as well as two original compositions. A few of the tunes have a deeper meaning for me and deserve special mention: Spring Can Hang You Up The Most by Tommy Wolfe has always been a favorite tune of mine. Tommy and I worked together for many years on everything from TV variety shows to casuals. His musicality and personality were exceptional and were reflected in his wonderful compositions. Tom Peterson’s arrangement captures the spirit of the tune with a creative treatment. Megan’s March is an original composition dedicated to and inspired by our granddaughter Megan Pratt. I tried to capture her colorful personality with this blues/jazz march. Samba de Elencia is an original tune composed by Alf Clausen. This tune has been a favorite of mine since becoming a member of the Alf Clausen Jazz Orchestra in the 1970’s. Alf and I met when I was on Woody Herman’s band in 1967. I thank him for his long friendship and some of the finest work a studio musician could ask for including the Donnie and Marie Variety show, Mary Tyler Variety Show, Moonlighting, and the Simpsons for 20 seasons. Too Little Time is a tribute to two of my former teachers and foremost ballad trombonists Murray McEachern and Dick Nash. I studied the art of ballad trombone playing with Murray during my years at Redlands University in 1968 - 1969. I studied with Dick Nash in the early 70's and have always admired his beautiful sound and style. Both trombonists have recorded this tune so I hope my efforts will be a worthy tribute to them. This version of the melody is taken from Murray’s recorded solo. This Album is dedicated to my wife Donna. Without her support, encouragement, love and understanding this project would never have become a reality. Bob Payne 2009