With so much fine music in New York City, it always amazes me that the engine of first-rate jazz music continues to hum. On this cold night in the Big Apple, trombonist, composer and arranger John Fedchock took the single digits outside and made them triple digits inside.

      Fedchock, one of the top trombone players in the industry, began the hour-plus set with the title track from his upcoming release on Reservoir Records. "Up and Running" paced the set with a thunderous hit and never had the band looking back. Solos by Fedchock and alto player Mark Vinci brought the composition to its soaring point and let us quickly know that this New York Big Band was the real deal. A gorgeous version of "Embraceable You" followed, which allowed the brilliant Ted Rosenthal to stretch his 88's, and also gave Barry Ries a brilliant flugelhorn solo to close it out. Fedchock's arrangements are clearly a step above. You can hear the reflection and creativity from the opening notes of each composition.

      Up next was "Big Bruiser," which highlighted another fantastic solo from Fedchock, whose mellow demeanor goes to the lions once he picks up his ax. This boy can play! On "Bruiser" he shared the solo duties with tenor sax man Brandon Wright. Wright is one of the young ones that we should keep our eye on as well. His solo technique and approach were ferocious. "Blue after Two" continued the pace and highlighted several members of the Big Band. Most notable was bassist Dick Sarpola, who held down the fort for most of the evening and let the V8 roar out during his solo spot. Trombonist Keith O'Quinn also shined on the solo section of the arrangement.

      There have been many attempts at the Monk Big Band rewrite, but Fedchock nailed it with an impressive arrangement of "Ruby My Dear," clearly one of the high points of the set. The set moved forward with Sonny Rollins' Alfie's Theme" and highlighted one of the best on his instrument, baritone saxophonist Scott Robinson. His ability to stretch the instrument was unreal. The set came to a close with a lengthily clave arrangement of John Coltrane's "Moments Notice."