Jacob Garchik is a trombonist, composer, and arranger who works in daring formats, such as a full jazz big band but with no rhythm section. Ye Olde’s At the End of Time is the second outing from his so-called heavy metal ensemble, with three guitars and a Zappa-esque approach to attack and arrangement. “Caro Ortolano” brings to mind FZ’s classic The Grand Wazoo — a blend of rock, jazz, and parade music that is the soundtrack to a B-movie.
Like its 2015 predecessor, this music is couched as accompaniment to a sci-fi narrative set both 500 years in the past and 100 billion years in the future. However, you don’t have to care about the high-concept elements to appreciate how great a trombone solo sounds when it is lifted by three of the best guitarists in New York City. This isn’t easy listening jazz, but it is a hoot while being daring. – Will Layman
https://www.popmatters.com/best-jazz-albums-of-2025