Jeffrey Reynolds
Jeff is an incredibly important man in my life. I studied with him starting the summer of 1969 when I switched to bass trombone and subsequently matriculated at Cal State Long Beach. I learned so much about musicianship: phrasing, tone, intonation, and . . . perhaps most importantly . . . the character/role of the bass trombone (see Projection). That winter, Jeff was appointed bass trombone with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In my junior year, he pointed me toward one of his pivotal teachers, Robert Simmergren, who was a huge influence on me as well.
Jeff created, managed, and conducted The Moravian Trombone Choir of Downey. The group included the entire trombone family, from BBb contrabass through Eb sopranino. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Trombones recorded Music for All Seasons, Moravian Trombones. (Moravians have a trombone tradition.)
Jeff’s solo album, The Big Trombone, is one of my favorites, and OrchestraPro: Bass Trombone/Tenor Tuba with Jeff and Michael Mulcahy should be in every bass trombonist’s library. Cherry Classics has published his Comprehensive Workbook For Bass Trombone and many arrangements, including his wonderful Christmas Carol Collection. I have great memories of Christmas concerts with the Moravian Choir.
When I matured professionally, Jeff added me to the substitute list with the Philharmonic. When I joined the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, that was cut short – "cross-pollination" was discouraged. I also suspect both Jeff and Roy Main lobbied for me to be included in the Hollywood Trombones Christmas album – I may never know.
I do know he got me a free trip to Italy – there's a story! He also recommended me to teach at California State University, Fullerton in 1988 – 35 years and counting.
David Brubeck has an excellent interview with Jeff as has The Trombone Corner.
Eternal gratitude!
Jeff created, managed, and conducted The Moravian Trombone Choir of Downey. The group included the entire trombone family, from BBb contrabass through Eb sopranino. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Trombones recorded Music for All Seasons, Moravian Trombones. (Moravians have a trombone tradition.)
Jeff’s solo album, The Big Trombone, is one of my favorites, and OrchestraPro: Bass Trombone/Tenor Tuba with Jeff and Michael Mulcahy should be in every bass trombonist’s library. Cherry Classics has published his Comprehensive Workbook For Bass Trombone and many arrangements, including his wonderful Christmas Carol Collection. I have great memories of Christmas concerts with the Moravian Choir.
When I matured professionally, Jeff added me to the substitute list with the Philharmonic. When I joined the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, that was cut short – "cross-pollination" was discouraged. I also suspect both Jeff and Roy Main lobbied for me to be included in the Hollywood Trombones Christmas album – I may never know.
I do know he got me a free trip to Italy – there's a story! He also recommended me to teach at California State University, Fullerton in 1988 – 35 years and counting.
David Brubeck has an excellent interview with Jeff as has The Trombone Corner.
Eternal gratitude!