Trombonist, composer, and bandleader Joe Fiedler continues to expand the possibilities of low-brass ensemble music with Journey To Bowerbird, the fourth release from his acclaimed group Big Sackbut. Featuring Fiedler alongside fellow trombonists Ryan Keberle and Luis Bonilla, with Marcus Rojas on tuba and Satoshi Takeishi on drums, the album captures a powerful blend of compositional ambition and collective virtuosity.
The roots of Big Sackbut stretch back decades. Fiedler traces the original spark to a live performance he witnessed in the late 1980s by the World Saxophone Quartet. Struck by their energy, balance between structure and freedom, and the individuality of each voice, he began imagining a similarly dynamic ensemble built around trombones. That idea stayed with him for years before finally taking shape around 2010, when an opportunity—encouraged by Keberle—helped bring the concept to life.
Across its previous recordings and now on Journey To Bowerbird, Big Sackbut has developed a distinctive sound that transcends its unusual instrumentation. While the ensemble consists primarily of low brass, the music never feels limited. Instead, the group draws out an astonishing range of color, texture, and expression, weaving together intricate harmonies, rhythmic interplay, and moments of humor and emotional depth. The addition of Takeishi on drums further energizes the group, adding momentum and expanding the ensemble’s sonic palette.
Fiedler’s work as a composer has always been driven by exploration rather than convention, and this latest project is no exception. His albums are not rooted in standard repertoire or straightforward session formats; instead, they emerge from deeply personal artistic challenges and experiences. In the case of Journey To Bowerbird, the catalyst came from an unexpected invitation.
In early 2025, legendary bass trombonist Dave Taylor invited Fiedler to participate in a brass quintet performance as part of a festival celebrating composer Lucia Dlugoszewski at Philadelphia’s Bowerbird venue. The featured work, Angels of the Inmost Heaven, initially appeared deceptively brief but proved extraordinarily demanding upon closer study. Known for navigating complex and unconventional music, Fiedler nevertheless found himself facing one of the most difficult pieces of his career.
After weeks of practice with little progress, he considered stepping away from the performance. Ultimately, the trust placed in him—and his long-standing relationship with Taylor—compelled him to continue. What followed was an intense period of disciplined preparation. Fiedler reworked the notation, broke the composition into smaller sections, explored alternate slide positions and articulation techniques, and committed to a rigorous daily practice routine focused entirely on mastering the piece.
Over the course of three months, this process became transformative. His technical abilities—precision, tone, endurance, and range—reached new levels, while his connection to the music deepened with each passing day. Rather than growing fatigued, he became more engaged, uncovering new subtleties within the composition. The eventual performance was a success, but its impact extended far beyond the stage.
Inspired by the experience, Fiedler reimagined his approach to writing for Big Sackbut. Instead of proceeding with a planned quartet recording, he chose to channel the lessons learned into new material that integrates elements of contemporary chamber music with the improvisational spirit of jazz. The result is Journey To Bowerbird, an album that reflects both technical rigor and creative reinvention.
Critics have long recognized Fiedler and Big Sackbut for their originality and musicianship. Observers frequently note the ensemble’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility, delivering performances that are both intellectually engaging and immediately enjoyable. The group’s tight interplay and rich tonal blend have been likened to a unified, multi-voiced instrument, while still allowing each player’s individuality to shine.
With Journey To Bowerbird, Fiedler not only builds on that reputation but also pushes it further. The album stands as a testament to persistence, artistic growth, and the willingness to confront—and ultimately overcome—formidable creative challenges.
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