Review

Gene Zika
24 Jazz Trombone Duets:

Vancouver, BC, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2004
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Primary Genre: Jazz Material - ensemble
Secondary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 2 trombones

Gene Zika’s 24 Jazz Trombone Duets are clever and enjoyable. Only about a minute and a half in length, each, they challenge players in rhythm, technique and style. Most of the duets also provide a chance to “blow” over a few bars of changes. Written with intermediate players in mind, their range extends from G to f-sharp1 in the 2nd part and G to c2 in the 1st part. Trombones with attachments are not necessary but are helpful in some spots. All of the duets have fun names like “Sneeze Lunch” or “High Note Lip Grease.” An accomplished and published cartoonist, some of Mr. Zika’s art enhances this publication.
 
Mr. Zika has 20 years of public school experience as a high school band, jazz ensemble, and string orchestra director. Additionally, Mr. Zika has appeared in concert with the Four Freshman, Mel Torme, Milt Bernhardt, Lucy Ann Polk, Ray Charles, and Paul Horn. He has performed with the big bands of Larry Elgart, Glenn Miller and John Carroll, and has recorded with the Stan Keller Orchestra.

-Donald Babcock
Eastern Michigan University