The debut recording by Tim Coffman features the J.J. Johnson-inspired trombonist performing jazz standards and a lone original in a sextet, a quartet, and a duet with bassist Kelly Sill ("Alone Together"). The music is modern mainstream hard bop jazz. Few surprises occur and the musicians are not overly distinctive but, on the other hand, each one plays quite well, particularly Mark Colby on tenor. Coffman is a fluent soloist who will eventually find his own voice. For now, Crossroads, which is highlighted by "Yes or No," "Sail Away," Freddie Hubbard's "Sky Dive," and "Alone Together," is an excellent first step. ~ Scott Yanow
Tim Coffman is one of the most active trombonists and teachers in the Chicago area. A graduate of the prestigious Jazz Studies program at Indiana University, Mr. Coffman worked closely with David Baker. He was awarded the Performer's Certificate after his Senior Recital.
Mr. Coffman is in demand for studio and show work and has performed with Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra, Jr.
, Andy Williams, Natalie Cole, Lou Rawls, The Tempatations, Louie Bellson, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Frank Wess, Bassist Ron Carter, Johnny Griffin, Kurt Elling, Von Freeman, Tito Puente, Arturo Sanduval, Tom Harrell, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka, Al Jarreau, Henry Mancini, Stevie Wonder, Diane Schur, Jimmy Heath, Randy Brecker, Benny Golson, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Joe Lovano, Lennie Niehaus, Slide Hampton and many others. He performed in the pit for the world premiere of 'The Producers' and also performed with the Chicago Symphony playing Lead Trombone in the Duke Ellington 'Nutcracker.
' He also performed on the recording of 'Porgy and Bess' featuring Clark Terry and the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. This recording was nominated for Jazz Album of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. Mr. Coffman is currently on the Jazz Studies faculty at DePaul University. There he teaches Jazz Trombone, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz History, Low Brass Techniques and coaches Jazz Combos. Before teaching at DePaul, he taught at New Trier High School as the Trombone instructor and directed several Jazz Improvisation classes from 1990-2001. In addition to his duties at DePaul, he is currently directing Jazz Ensemble lll at Oak Park-River Forest HS. He is a regular member of the Rob Parton Jazz Tech Big Band and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble lead by Jon Faddis. He also frequently performs with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. Mr. Coffman is a Conn/Selmer artist/clinician and has performed/adjudicated at various high schools, Jazz Festivals and Universities including: Evanston HS, Rolling Meadows HS, Mundelein HS, Oak Park-River Forest HS, Wheeling HS, Purdue University, Furman University, The University of Wisconsin-River Falls, The University of New Mexico and many others. He recently completed his first recording entitled "Crossroads", available on the Blujazz label. In the summer, he teaches at the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camp at the University of Louisville, and also at the Midwest Young Artists Jazz Camp in Lake Forest, IL. Mr. Coffman just returned from Sardegna, Italy where he performed and taught with members of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble at the Sant' Anna Arresi Jazz Festival. Mr. Coffman is married to Becky and has two children, Daniel and Sarah.
Recording information: Curried Bagel (10/11/2004-10/12/2004).
Arranger: Tim Coffman.
Personnel: Tim Coffman (trombone); Tim Coffman; Kelly Sill (bass guitar); Mark Colby (soprano, tenor, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Scott Wendholt (trumpet); Mike Kocour (piano); Bob Rummage (drums).
Audio Mixers: Tim Coffman; Brian Schwab.
Down Beat (p.73) - 3 stars out of 5 - "It offers fairly inventive mainstream players, tight ensembles, nice arrangements, solid rhythmic roots and a fine selection of tunes."
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