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.Originally Posted by voice of the theater
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!
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