Trombonist Jim Pugh and recording engineer Jim Anderson have reunited for a new album featuring the first-ever recording of Roy Harris's long-lost Trombone Symphony. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham speaks with both of them about the piece, originally written for Tommy Dorsey in 1938.
Trombonist Jim Pugh and recording engineer Jim Anderson have reunited for a new album featuring the first-ever recording of Roy Harris's long-lost Trombone Symphony. WQED-FM's Jim Cunningham speaks with both of them about the piece, originally written for Tommy Dorsey in 1938.
Jim Pugh talks about discovering the piece, tracking down Harris's archivist, and searching through the Library of Congress. The album also features Nightsuite, a contemporary work by Scott Nimner, which brought together Jim Pugh's jazz connections from across his career, including former student and fellow Steely Dan players. Jim Anderson walks through his recording process, which took place at Power Station in New York City.
Jim and Jim both grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, and remember playing together in various ensembles, including the Butler County Symphony. Jim Anderson also recalls his experiences on the set of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood while at Duquesne, citing Marcel Marceau's episode as a favorite.
Read more about New American Symphonies, which releases on Friday, August 14th, here.