January 27, 2008 Trowers & Tymas Together
"Robert Trowers is the MAN - by far the prettiest trombone sound a human can produce ....and his improve skills are sick. He plays so well it sounds as if he's playing a pre-written solo....its amazing as hell. And as for Baron Tymas, he's the coolest kat...really nice guy with a big heart...and man can he play....any style." These were the words of jazz sax player Ron Baxter, in describing the musical abilities of Durham-based trombone player, composer, performer, and teacher, Robert Trowers, and jazz guitar player, composer, and teacher, Baron Tymas. Ron knows well the talents of Robert Trowers and Baron Tymas - they were his teachers in the Jazz Studies Program at NC Central University in Durham, North Carolina. Robert was a fulltime jazz performer, based out of NYC for many years, before deciding to head South to teach at Central. He continues to compose and perform in the area and on occasion travels up North to perform with other jazz giants.

Trowers was influenced by a diversity of trombonists - from Jimmy Cleveland to J.J. Johnson, Curtis Fuller, Claude Jones and Jimmy Harrison. Trowers played with the Basie Orchestra for six years. He also played with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, Illinois Jacquet's big band, and the Sam Wooding Orchestra. He's played with pianist Abdullah Ibrahim and alto saxist Jesse Davis. On Trowers' CD, Synopsis, he is joined by Basie piano player, Carl 'Ace' Carter; bassist Marcus McLaurine; and drummer Lewis Nash. Many of the songs on this CD are Trowers' compositions.

On Trowers' CD, Point of View, he is joined by other trombonist - Slide Hampton, Al Grey, and Fred Wesley. They all had great praise for the talents of Trowers, as both a trombonist and a composer. Slide Hampton said, "I've known Robert for a long time, but when we finally got together for this, I was shocked that he played so well....Being there with him was a real pleasure and a real opportunity." Other musicians include Richard Wyands on piano, Marcus McLaurine on bass, and drummer Gene Jackson.

Joining Robert Trowers in the WCOM radio studio was Baron Tymas. Also on the jazz faculty at NC Central University, Baron has his own CD, Blues for the Tribe. Several of the songs on the CD are Baron's compositions.

Robert and Baron played music live in the studio for most of my show. It was a wonderful evening.


Playlist of Songs Played Live in the WCOM Studio -

• Silver Fox, a Robert Trowers' composition
• Loves Own, a Trowers' composition
• Groove - a Trowers' composition
• Synopsis - a Trowers' composition

Playlist of Recorded Songs

• Baron Tymas; Blues for the Tribe CD; Saxsmo Goes to Woodstock
• Duke Ellington's Orchestra; The World of Duke Ellington (with Tyree Glenn on trombone); Sultry Serenade
• Robert Trowers; Synopsis CD; Good Bait
• Wilbur Sweatman; Original Jazz Band LP; Slide Kelly Slide
• Robert Trowers & Slide Hampton; Point of View CD; Minority
• Jimmy Cleveland; Jimmy Cleveland Introducing Jimmy Cleveland LP; Bone Brother

Every Sunday night from 7:00 - 9:00 EST on WCOM radio out of Carrboro, NC, I feature the sounds and compositions of NC jazz musicians of our present and past. Please join me in the Carrboro area at 103.5 fm and on the internet at www.communityradio.coop and click on the button in the upper righthand corner for web-broadcast. You can call in comments or requests at 919 929-9601.