He's got the chops, he's got the taste, and he's got that big golden sound. Because of that, the future of jazz trombone? Yeah...it's looking real bright.
Celebrating those who provided years of mentorship, along with the ongoing momentum through the arrival of this debut recording, trombonist Andrew Kim offers a result that is so much more than a senior capstone project. Lineage is a formidable album, a testament to Kim's embrace and diligent immersion in the tradition under the guidance of master musicians Michael Dease (the producer here) and lately, Marshall Gilkes, displaying a clear sign that he's poised to benefit this legacy through his own innovative contributions. Along with saxophonist Sharel Cassity, pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., Kim's arrangements of classics by J.J. Johnson & Curtis Fuller, along with five of his own compositions, the band bristles and swings from the outset.
"Andrew Kim is a part of the current renaissance in jazz. His playing is expressive, precise and shockingly virtuosic. He is a wonder." Randy Napoleon
Track Listing:
1 Kimposter 5:53
2 The World Falls Away 5:52
3 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego 6:42
4 Cube Steak 4:51
5 Nostos 5:31
6 Welcome Home 5:37
7 Discovered Ease 5:50
8 Bit of Heaven 5:52
9 Awaken 4:58
10 Stella by Starlight 6:08
Compositions by:
(1,5,6,7,9) Andrew Kim; (2) Rodney Whitaker; (3) Xavier Davis; (4) J. J. Johnson; (8) Curtis Fuller; (10) Victor Young
Performers:
Andrew Kim - trombone
Sharel Cassity - alto sax, tenor sax, flute
Xavier Davis - piano
Rodney Whitaker - bass
Ulysses Owens Jr. - drumset
Guests:
Randy Napoleon - guitar (5,10)
Michael Dease - baritone saxophone (3,7)
Steven Bowman - bass (1,3,5,9)
Production Info:
Produced by Michael Dease
Recorded, mixed & mastered by Corey DeRushia
at Troubadour Recording Studios, Lansing, MI
Recorded on May 16, 2025
Front cover photo by Yujen Tsai / ÜJIN Studio
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
