Coming Home

Coming Home (When Mr. Dease asked me to write the foreword to his new book, Coming Home, I was deeply honoured. Mike Dease is a superb writer and performer and, to put it simply, he is one of the greatest trombonists of our time, as you will soon hear on his disc. All of his original compositions are fresh and destined to be staples in the repertoire. I remember Mr. Dease when he was a student at the Juilliard School. He was very inquisitive about the classical side of the trombone and on occasion would ask if he could play for me to find out more about classical technique, sound and phrasing. After our sessions, I of course would ask him about any suggestions he had for my jazz studies. I remember him replying, “transcribe”, and to this day I use this method to learn how all great jazz players do what they do. Coming Home is laid out very nicely; bravo to Warwick Music for making it utterly legible. Of course that means that when I start practicing this book, I wont have the excuse of not being able to read it! When I hear a great jazz trombonist like Michael Dease play, I need to be able to listen and watch so I can fully understand how he does what he does so well. Everything in Coming Home is right there for you to study: chord changes, alternate positions, cues and lick descriptions, not to mention hearing the amazing tone and phrasing of an artist like Michael Dease in actual performance. This book is exactly the kind of study material that is required to elevate your musicianship and artistry as well as to inspire you to practice. Speaking of inspiration, I am so excited after hearing Mr. Dease play Im off to start practicing this wonderful book. Congratulations, Michael! Joseph Alessi Principal Trombone New York Philharmonic Professor, The Juilliard School)