Alan Ferber

Jazz Trombone

Known internationally as a jazz trombonist and composer, Alan Ferber also shines as a bandleader. His fifth project as a leader features his well-established nonet enhanced by a string orchestra. This recording displays his unique ability to lead an ensemble through an array of intricate compositions while consistently delivering imaginative solo improvisations. Comprised of some of New York City’s most sought after young players, “Ferber’s arrangements bring out the best of the members of his group, who are inspired by their musical surroundings and alternately play as one…” (Budd Kopman, All About Jazz NY). Sunnyside Records will release the recording, Music for Nonet & Strings: Chamber Songs in May of 2010. It is a compelling addition to this ensemble’s catalog, which includes two prior releases on the Fresh Sound New Talent label, Scenes From An Exit Row (2005) and The Compass (2007).

Since moving to Brooklyn in 1999, Ferber has built a solid reputation as an ensemble player, an improviser, and a composer/arranger. He has performed extended engagements with Kenny Wheeler’s Large Ensemble, the Lee Konitz Nonet, Don Byron’s Music For Six Musicians, the David Binney Big Band, the Benny Wallace Nonet, and the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble in venues ranging from The Village Vanguard, Lincoln Center, the Blue Note, and Birdland. As a writer, he has composed and/or arranged music for groups including Bang On A Can’s Asphalt Orchestra, the Atlantic Brass Quintet, the UNLV Contemporary Jazz Ensemble, and vocalists Shayna Steele, Nina Vidal, and Alexis Cole.

In addition to jazz, Alan has performed and recorded extensively in other genres with artists as diverse as Harry Connick Jr, Sufjan Stevens, Nancy Sinatra, Diana Krall, They Might Be Giants, Kelly Clarkson, Dr. Dre, Michael Buble, and Paul Anka. He played lead trombone in the Broadway revival of Ragtime and has subbed in many other shows including The Producers, West Side Story, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, In The Heights, and South Pacific. He has appeared on TV shows including Late Night with David Letterman, the Tonight Show, The View, Beverly Hills 90210, and Good Morning America.

As an educator, Ferber is currently adjunct professor of trombone and jazz studies for the Cali School of Music at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Additionally, Ferber is an adjunct faculty member at the New School in New York City and maintains an active schedule as a guest soloist and composer for universities around the country.