Much in the way Michael Dease has defined the state-of-the-art for jazz trombone over the last two decades, his effectiveness in shaping the next generation of players also requires inspired superlatives. A 2025 Guggenheim Fellow, and Distinguished Professor in Rodney Whitaker's renowned Jazz Department at Michigan State University, Dease has been central to fostering MSU's reputation as a thriving center of creative musical development. Spartan Strong, while possibly implying a football cheer, in this case reflects the powerful musical instincts, exhilarating orchestrations, and uninhibited improvisational prowess of these 18 members of his teaching studio. Along with the rhythm section of Xavier Davis, Jared Beckstead-Craan, and Keith Hall, the ensemble tackles arrangements of several originals, and old & new standards, while stylistically spanning Afro-Cuban grooves, lush trombone choir passages, and unabashed swing. The future, as witnessed here, is in fine hands.

Artists

Michael Dease, Aidan Clark, Dan Parrish, Altin Sencalar, Drew Kilpela, Chris Glassman, Xavier Davis, Pablo Muller-Santiago, Wyatt Forhan, Jack Trathen, Nanami Haruta, Miles Cole, Benny Benack III (leadvocalist), Sharel Cassity, Eli Howell, Charles Scanlon, Hannah Davies, Ethan Frank, Jared Beckstead-Craan, Judah Guerra, Daniel Bear, Daniel Beck, Charles Grace Jr., Gina Benalcázar-López, Andrew Kim, Kyle Quick, Keith Hall, Ken Thompkins, Bridgette Setters