Bass Trombonist Chris Glassman Releases Debut Album
D Clef Records proudly presents the October 15, 2022 release of Living The Dream, the album debut of innovative bass trombonist and Michael Buble’s big band stalwart Chris Glassman. Following the 2020 release of the co-led Realization (Sencalar-Glassman Quintet) a vibrant take on the clever soundscapes of a dual-brass front line, Living The Dream focuses on the leader’s power-laden, melodic compositions that ignite the creativity of his ace band. Glassman defies the odds of many young players by putting substance over showmanship, contributing meaningful, probing improvisations on par with his veteran colleagues.
Glassman called upon a few of his eminent collaborators, forming the cohesive rhythm section of Bill Cunliffe on piano, Rodney Whitaker on bass, and Ulysses Owens Jr. on drums. Balancing Glassman’s buoyant trombone sound in the front line is the shining tone of Sharel Cassity (saxophones and flute). Star trombonist Steve Davis of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers fame is a cherished mentor and joins the fray on several tunes sharing his signature warm sound and sophisticated phrasing.
This musical affair starts off with the angular line of Animosity layered over a syncopated groove recalling the edgy swing of the 90s. Rather than a jam session-like foray, each member of the band introduces themselves with singular poise. Its counterpart is found in Blue Spaces, a balancing take on fresh harmonic sequences influenced by the rhythms of Brazil. Belley’s Bounce and Twister explore a pocket of swing through different lenses highlighting the versatility and depth this band generates.
Blossom takes the band in yet another direction, touching on Glassman’s experience in Neo-Soul while GRAMMY-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe’s contribution Climbing Over Mountains unapologetically embraces its funk roots. This interplay between Cassity and Glassman reacting off of each other’s ideas is a highlight of the recording, and their timbres are a sublime combination. Steve Davis composed Abena’s Gaze in honor of his wife and the anthemic melody gets a new sound from Glassman’s arrangement for the two trombones. The challenge in identifying the trombone soloist at times is a testament to the influence of Davis on Glassman and is wonderful to see in this meeting.
Cassity takes a turn on tenor saxophone on her tune Resolve, a waltz with overtones of the blues and the feeling of a lullaby. Lush Life, Billy Strayhorn’s masterpiece pares down to Cunliffe and Glassman in a poetic duo. The album closes leaning hard into the edge of Glassman’s Pencils Down, a fitting way to close this adventurous journey that highlights Owen’s raw, crackling energy.
Chris Glassman presents his commitment to enlivening the tradition of jazz music with musicality, technical mastery, and stylish versatility through his 10-track tour de force. With a rare balance of fire and elegance, Living The Dream shows us the myriad of sounds and connections that jazz music lets us feel. Glassman has set the bar high in his debut. The music world can look forward to where Chris Glassman’s evolution and dreaming take him next.
About Chris Glassman
Hailed by International Trombone Journal as someone whose “ warm sound, beautiful phrasing, and ability to perform in various styles convincingly set him apart as a truly exceptional musician”, Chris Glassman is a rising star jazz performer on bass trombone and Michigan-based musician. He has performed and recorded with legendary musicians The Temptations, The Four Tops, Sarah McLachlan, Kurt Elling, Danilo Perez, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Rene Marie, Wayne Bergeron, Rodney Whitaker, Ulysses Owens Jr., and Etienne Charles among others. He is a featured sideman on recordings by Rodney Whitaker, Ulysses Owens Jr., and Walter White. Also an avid arranger, Chris has recently had numerous commissions for arrangements and compositions by Brevard Music Center, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, The Carr Center, the Wisconsin All-State Jazz band, on Posi-Tone Records, and for esteemed musicians David Sanborn, Steve Davis, Ulysses Owens Jr, Rodney Whitaker, Michael Dease, Randy Napoleon, and others.
Track Listing:
1. Animosity (6.12)
2. Blue Spaces (6:42)
3. Belley’s Bounce (6.14)
4. Twister (7:32)
5. Blossom (5:19)
6. Climbing Over Mountains (5:39)
7. Abena’s Gaze (6:28)
8. Resolve (5:50)
9. Lush Life (4:26)
10. Pencils Down (5:22)
Chris Glassman Upcoming Dates – with Michael Buble Higher World Tour
November 8th — Arena Da Baixada — Curitiba, Brazil
November 12th — Movistar Arena — Buenos Aires, Argentina
November 15th-16th — Movistar Arena — Santiago, Chile
January 27th — Altice Arena — Lisbon, Portugal
January 30th — Wizink Center — Madrid, Spain
February 1st — Palau Sant Jordi — Barcelona, Spain
February 4th — Mediolanum Forum — Assago, Italy
Click here to learn more about Living The Dream.
Click here to learn more about Chris Glassman.
