OT Your Favorite or Most Respected Musical Artist

**Todd W. White** · March 6th, 2012, 12:49 AM

I guess one of the most astounding instrumentalists I've ever heard is trombonist Bill Pearce. What he could to with a large bore Olds Opera Trombone and a Bach 12C mouthpiece was incredible.

His theme song for his radio program, "Night Sounds", was "Beau Soir" (Beautiful Evening), can be heard at the link below. Bill comes in so subtly at the end that you almost think its a soprano singer, until he brings it out further.

His expertise on the trombone can be heard on this, his jazzed up version of a famous trumpet solo:

For pure musicality and "tightness", the vocal works of The Mills Brothers are hard to beat:

Of course, The Ink Spots were fabulous, too:

And don't forget The Harmonicats:

And, for sheer precision, top cabin musicianship, flawless performances, and great fun, there's Spike Jones:

And if you just want to be totally "wowed", listen to any or all of the Hymns Triumphant I and II, of which one of my favorite selections is this one:

Then, crank up your Altec's (mine are Model 8's here in my office) and be totally blown away with this one:

**voice of the theater** · March 6th, 2012, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Todd W. White

I guess one of the most astounding instrumentalists I've ever heard is trombonist Bill Pearce. What he could to with a large bore Olds Opera Trombone and a Bach 12C mouthpiece was incredible.

His theme song for his radio program, "Night Sounds", was "Beau Soir" (Beautiful Evening), can be heard at the link below. Bill comes in so subtly at the end that you almost think its a soprano singer, until he brings it out further.

I've never heard of Bill Pearce before. Great tone and technique! You're right, his tone is so pure, when combined with his vibrato his trombone really does sound like a female vocalist at the end of "Beau Soir". Being a trombonist myself (second instrument I learned to play -- after the piano--I play a King 2B), I've always been a fan of trombonist Urbie Green. Anyone ever heard of him?

Originally Posted by theophile

I liked 'Jump On It' and the 'Gamma' albums.

R.I.P

He really did leave behind a nice body of work. Glad you're a fan--did you (or anyone else) check out any of the videos I posted? A lot of people who've never heard of him don't realize when they hear classic Edgar Winter on the radio (Frankenstein, Free Ride, etc.) that they're listening to Ronnie Montrose on guitar.....

**Todd W. White** · March 6th, 2012, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by voice of the theater

I've never heard of Bill Pearce before. Great tone and technique! You're right, his tone is so pure, when combined with his vibrato his trombone really does sound like a female vocalist at the end of "Beau Soir". Being a trombonist myself (second instrument I learned to play -- after the piano--I play a King 2B), I've always been a fan of trombonist Urbie Green. Anyone ever heard of him?

Bill Pearce is considered by many to be one of the finest trombonists to ever play the instrument. When asked "Who is the best trombonist you've ever heard?", professional trombonists the world over consistently reply, "Bill Pearce" more than any other.

His website has selections of him playing, and if you listen to his program, he often played recordings of himself on it, too.

The website is:

Nightsounds with Bill Pearce - Easy Listening for Hard Times

In the middle of the page, there is a box entitled, "Bill Pearce CD Sampler". Click on "I Want You To Know" and you'll hear some of the cleanest, most incredibly pure trombone playing you've ever heard.

With his F. E. Olds & Son .547 bore "Opera" Model Trombone, Bill made the sound of the trombone come alive.

While you're there, check out his playing on the following songs on the playlist:

* "A Quiet Place" - when he drops out in the middle of this song, and the vocals take over, you'll swear you're hearing a human voice when he comes back in.

* "Precious Lord Take My Hand" - an older recording and, thus, a bit noisy, but OH - how he makes it sing! Even though the musical style is really dated, you forget that as soon as he starts playing.

* "What The World Needs Now" - a classic from the late '60's/early '70's, done by Bill Pearce in a manner that would make Bill Watrous run back to the practice room...especially when you hear the ending lick he does :-)

* In "Love Was When", Bill comes in almost before you realize it's the trombone...amazing!

* "Beyond The Sunset" gives the listener an idea of the tremendous range and musical ability Bill Pearce had...

* And "Joshua" is fabulous!