German Early Baroque Music for Trombone, Slokar Trombone Quartet (Claves Records, 1984) 

This album serves as a great introduction to early trombone repertoire. It covers a variety of genres from dance music to sacred motets and prelude music that were actually written for trombone and cornett ensembles. Several tracks include period-appropriate percussion or basso continuo accompaniment.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Trombone and Tuba Section Plays Concert Works and Orchestral Excerpts, Chicago Symphony Low Brass (1971).

The CSO low brass’ (Jay Friedman, James Gilbertsen, Frank Crisafulli, Ed Kleinhammer and Arnold Jacobs) recording of popular orchestral excerpts offers students a chance to immediately “get into” the classic Chicago brass sound. Listen to how clearly they differentiate between styles and the control they have over every aspect of the music!

Audition Window: Timeless Trombone Tales, Carl Lenthe (Summit Records, 2003)

Carl Lenthe has provided a great collection of must-know intermediate trombone solos, including works by Rimsky-Korsakov, David, Barat, Guilmant, and Galliard. This album can help acquaint younger students with important trombone repertoire that is within, or nearly within, their abilities.

Trombonastics, Joseph Alessi (Summit Records, 2002)

Though this album doesn’t feature as many standard trombone pieces as the previous one, Alessi’s Trombonastics demonstrates his flawless playing and musical nuance in surprising and fun arrangements.

Think Well of Me, Jack Teagarden (Verve, 1962)

This album came out just two years before Teagarden’s death and provides exceptional evidence of his lyrical and dynamic playing style and sensitive and stirring vocals. The album also feature some of the early arrangement work of valve trombonist and master jazz composer Bob Brookmeyer. Also featured are Con Goldie (trumpet), Bernie Leighton (keys), Barry Galbraith (guitar), and Art Davis (bass).

Blue Trombone, J. J. Johnson (Columbia, 1957)

This hard bop album showcases the refined and creative improvisations of trombone legend J. J. Johnson. The original release features Tommy Flanagan (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Max Roach (drums), while the 1994 reissue also features tracks in collaboration with Horace Silver (piano), Hank Mobley (tenor sax), Elvin Jones (drums), Kenny Clarke (drums), and Wilbur Little (bass).

The Last of the Big Plungers, Al Grey and the Basie Wing (Argo Records, 1960)

This album brings the plunger technique of legendary Count Basie Orchestra trombonist Al Grey to the foreground. The hard-swinging feel of the Basie Band is retained by this condensed ensemble featuring the work of Joe Newman (trumpet), Benny Powell (trombone), Charlie Fowlkes (baritone saxophone), Billy Mitchell (tenor sax), Ed Jones (bass), Floyd Morris (piano) and Sonny Payne (drums).

Azucar Pa’Ti (Sugar for You), Eddie Palmieri (Tico Records, 1965)

When Eddie Palmieri came onto the New York salsa scene with his new group Conjunto La Perfecta, he replaced the traditional trumpet sound of the ensemble with trombones, which caused audiences to refer to the band as the group with “the crazy roaring elephants.” Trombonist Barry Rogers is the roaring elephant featured most prominently in this album.

Into The Zone, Ryan Keberle & Catharsis (Greenleaf Music, 2014)

This group prioritizes musical communication and artistry above showy clichés. The careful construction of each piece is brought to life by the natural playing styles of Ryan Keberle (trombone), Eric Doob (drums), Mike Rodriguez (trumpet), Jorge Roeder (bass), Camila Meza (vocals), and Scott Robinson (tenor sax).

NYC, Lucky Chops (2015)

Funk-driven brass bands are becoming very popular and New York-based Lucky Chops is a great example. They got their start by playing high-intensity dance music in the subways of the city. Currently, the band features Josh Holcomb (trombone), Daro Behroozi (saxophone), Joshua Gawel (trumpet), Raphael Buyo (sousaphone), and Charles Sams IV (drums).