The trombone is an unusual instrument to see centre stage. The unwieldy, fiendishly difficult brass loop isn’t the sexiest of options for a bandleader, but it’s a hugely underrated one. Its range – from pillowy breath tones to the crystalline shards of a full blast – means that the instrument has been favoured by musicians ranging from 60s jazz-funk pioneer Pee Wee Ellis to 80s classical experimenter Peter Zummo.
With the London jazz scene blooming, it seems fitting that a new generation of trombonists should now come to the fore. On a first listen to Rosie Turton’s debut EP Rosie’s 5ive, however, you might be forgiven for missing the trombone altogether. Opener The Unknown features a beautiful solo from violinist Johanna Burnheart, dancing playfully over the earthy percussion from drummer Jake Long. This is symptomatic of Turton’s ambition: a composer as much as a musician, she showcases her seven-piece band and myriad influences, weaving Indian raga rhythms into Stolen Ribs, a head-nodding hip-hop beat into a cover of Herbie Hancock’s Butterfly, and spiritual ambience into Orange Moon. It isn’t until the second half that we get to Turton’s playing. “It’s about taking a leap of faith,” she says, “but there is always light on the other side.”
Rosie’s 5ive is out now on Jazz Re:Freshed. Rosie Turton plays Poplar Union, London, on 21 February and Kings Place, London, on 27 April
