2024 Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive by Phil Wilson and Paul Schemeling NEUF

Performer Notes:

• Personnel: Phil Wilson (trombone); Paul Schmeling (piano).
• Recorded at Berklees Studio A, Boston, Massachusetts.
• This duo date by trombonist Phil Wilson and pianist Paul Schmelling focuses exclusively on the music of Harold Arlen, featuring 17 songs that have become favorite standards for musicians, because their memorable melodies inspire swinging improvisations. Lest you think that 71 minutes of piano-trombone duets is excessive, the imagination and musicianship displayed by the two men should alleviate any worries. A jaunty "AC-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive" signals the listener that Wilson and Schmelling are here to lift ones spirits. The tantalizing bossa nova arrangement of "Out of This World" and virtuoso playing by both men in "My Shining Hour" are among the many highlights of this low-profile but highly recommended CD. ~ Ken Dryden

Professional Reviews: JazzTimes (12/96, pp.123-124) - "This entertaining set packs a lot of bang for the buck. It remedies three severe shortages: lyrical trombone, succint and witty duos, and Harold Arlen covers....The Schmeling piano and the Wilson trombone...provide a movable feast here as they strut and lull, coax and prod the essence from 17 (count em) Arlen goodies..."

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Studio/Live: Studio

Release Date: 4 August, 2016

Label: CD Baby

Dimensions: 14 x 0.6 x 14 centimeters (0.06 kg)