Michael Dease is one of the Giants of the trombone. I was very fortunate to have played with JJ Johnson, Curtis Fuller, Slide Hampton, Al Grey, the other Giants of that instrument.
Much in the way Michael Dease has defined the state-of-the-art for jazz trombone over the last two decades, his effectiveness in shaping the next generation of players also requires inspired superlatives. A 2025 Guggenheim Fellow, and Distinguished Professor in Rodney Whitaker's renowned Jazz Department at Michigan State University, Dease has been central to fostering MSU's reputation as a thriving center of creative musical development. Spartan Strong, while possibly implying a football cheer, in this case reflects the powerful musical instincts, exhilarating orchestrations, and uninhibited improvisational prowess of these 18 members of his teaching studio. Along with the rhythm section of Xavier Davis, Jared Beckstead-Craan, and Keith Hall, the ensemble tackles arrangements of several originals, and old & new standards, while stylistically spanning Afro-Cuban grooves, lush trombone choir passages, and unabashed swing. The future, as witnessed here, is in fine hands.
Track Listing:
1 Huesos Con Clave 5:49
2 Remembrance 3:51
3 Evidence 4:32
4 Frame for the Blues 7:01
5 Some Skunk Funk 6:12
6 It Could Happen to You 6:02
7 The Nearness of You 6:58
8 Song of Those Who Seek 5:31
9 'Round Midnight 3:57
10 Groove Blues 5:19
11 Alfitude 4:36
12 Blues After Dark 6:18
13 Spartan Strong 4:46
14 Blues in the Closet 5:24
Compositions by:
(1) Sencalar (2) Forhan (3) T. Monk, arr. Nate Kimball (4) S. Hampton, arr. Haruta (5) R. Brecker, arr. Michael Pilley (6) J. Van Heusen, arr. Benack III (7) H. Carmichael, arr. Geoffrey Keezer (8) Cassity (9) T. Monk & C. Williams, arr. S. Hampton (10) Turre, arr. Dease (11) C. Roditi, arr. Matt Garrison (12) B. Golson, arr. Howell (13) Michael Davis (14) O. Pettiford, arr. Pilley
Performers:
Michael Dease - trombone
featuring the MSU Jazz Trombone Studio:
Trombones: Daniel Bear, Aidan Clark, Miles Cole, Hannah Davies, Judah Guerra, Nanami Haruta, Eli Howell, Drew Kilpela, Andrew Kim, Pablo Muller-Santiago, Dan Parrish, Charles Scanlon, Altin Sencalar, Bridgette Setters, Ken Thompkins, Jack Trathen
Bass Trombones: Gina Benalcázar-López, Wyatt Forhan, Chris Glassman, Charles Grace Jr., Arthur Motl, Kyle Quick
Special Guests:
Benny Benack III - vocals (6)
Sharel Cassity - alto saxophone (8)
Rhythm Section (except 2,8-10,13):
Xavier Davis - piano
Jared Beckstead-Craan - bass
Keith Hall - drums
Ethan Frank - piano (8,10)
Reuben Stump - bass (8,10)
Randy Gelispie - drums (10)
Brian Allen - drums (8)
Production Info:
Produced by Michael Dease
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Corey DeRushia
at Troubadour Studios Lansing, MI
Recorded on April 4-5, 2024
Liner Notes by Gary Fukishima
Band photo by Lynne Brown
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of MSU Jazz Trombones: Spartan Strong
Paris-Move (Thierry De Clemensat)
5 STARS
Michael Dease ranks among the most luminous trombonists of his generation. Over the course of a career defined by stylistic range and artistic rigor, he has collaborated with figures as diverse as Christian McBride and Alicia Keys. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2025 and a senior figure in the renowned jazz department led by R ...
Jazz Weekly (George Harris)
You've got to love the moxie of trombonist Michael Dease, who thinks he can take on with his trombone and rhythm teams of Xavier Davis & Ethan Frank on piano, Jared Beckstead-Craan & Reuben Stump on bass and drummers Keith Hall, Brian Allen & Randy Gelispie, the MSU Jazz Trombone team consisting of 17, count ‘em, 17 trombones and six (!) bass tro ...
