Bass trombonist and composer Jennifer Wharton is set to release her third album with her trombone-centric ensemble, Bonegasm, titled Grit & Grace on October 20, 2023, through Sunnyside. This album showcases Wharton's exceptional talent, featuring original compositions, arrangements, and contributions from prominent women composers. It's a powerful demonstration of grit and grace, reflecting her journey from the classical world to jazz and her determination to shine a spotlight on the oft-overlooked bass trombone. Wharton's ensemble, including talented musicians like John Fedchock, Nate Mayland, Alan Ferber, and more, delivers a vibrant and thrilling collection of new music, inviting listeners to experience her audacious musicality.
The album not only celebrates Wharton's own grit and grace but also spotlights the works of female composers commissioned for this project. It includes compositions by Vanessa Perica, Miho Hazama, Carolina Calvache, Natalie Cressman, and Nadje Noordhuis, as well as Wharton's first contributions to the band's repertoire. Wharton's dedication to empowering young women in the music industry is evident through this album, as she exclusively commissioned female composers for this project. Grit & Grace promises to be an engaging and transformative musical experience, blending elegance, boldness, and wit into a unique jazz offering that challenges conventions and promotes gender diversity in the field.