The Trombone Corner – 2025 Holiday Episode with Special Guests Jay Friedman & Michael Dease

The Trombone Corner – 2025 Holiday Episode with Special Guests Jay Friedman & Michael Dease

Author: The Brass Ark & Bob Reeves Brass December 23, 2025 Duration: 1:26:54

The Trombone Corner – 2025 Holiday Episode

Cohosts Noah Gladstone and John Snell post up by the fireplace with eggnog and a tradition that's equal parts heartfelt and mechanically questionable: Noah lights his custom Trombonorah—a menorah built from a trombone bell, with a few trumpet valves thrown in for reasons that will make sense to exactly no one.

From there, it's a holiday-themed conversation that bounces between trombone life, seasonal rituals, gear talk, and the usual detours you'd expect when brass players are left unsupervised.

And yes, we brought in reinforcements: Jay Friedman (retired Principal Trombone of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and jazz great Michael Dease join the festivities, adding equal parts wisdom, stories, and top-tier trombone perspective.


Ever wondered what happens in the minds of the musicians who bring that rich, sliding sound to life in orchestras, jazz clubs, and studios? The Trombone Corner pulls up a chair for candid, often surprising conversations with the artists behind the instrument. Hosted by the team at The Brass Ark and Bob Reeves Brass, this series goes far beyond technical talk, though you’ll certainly pick up insights about gear and practice routines. Each episode feels like a backstage pass, where players from across the globe share their personal journeys-the unexpected gigs that changed everything, the challenges of a demanding solo career, and the simple joy of finding the perfect phrase. You’ll hear stories from seasoned symphony veterans, innovative soloists pushing boundaries, and session legends whose work you’ve probably heard on countless recordings. It’s a deep dive into the culture and community of trombone playing, celebrating the dedication it takes to master this versatile brass voice. Tune in for a warm, engaging listen that connects the person to the music they create, making this podcast a unique find for musicians and avid music lovers alike.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Trombone Corner
Podcast Episodes
Episode #31 - Ed Neumeister [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:05
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Ed Neumeister, commercial and jazz trombonist from Oakland, California. About Ed: As a tromb…
Episode #30 - Jeff Reynolds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:59
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Jeff Reynolds, the Bass Trombone of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1969-2006. About Jeff:…
Episode #29 - Nicholas Daley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:18
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Nicholas Daley, a freelance and session trombonist in Los Angeles. Originally from St. Paul,…
Episode #28 - Jim Nova [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:56:58
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Jim Nova, 2nd trombonist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. About Jim Nova James Nova j…
Episode #27 - John Sebastian Vera & Nick Schwartz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:53
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview John Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz, trombonists and podcast hosts of The Trombone Retreat…
Episode #26 - Adam Woolf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:14
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Adam Woolf, trombonist and sackbut specialist from the UK. Meet us at the SoCal Trombone Day…
Episode #25 - Megumi Kanda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:29
The Trombone Corner Podcast is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and The Brass Ark. Join hosts Noah and John as they interview Megumi Kanda, Principal Trombone of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. About Megumi Kanda Meg…
Episode #24 - Dr. Brett Baker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
This episode of the Trombone Corner is brought to you by The Brass Ark and by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts Noah Gladstone and John Snell as they talk with trombonist Dr. Brett Baker. Brett Baker is viewed internationally…
Episode #23 - Andy Martin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:59
Coming from a musical family, trombonist Andy Martin launched his career while still in his teens. His technique and virtuosity quickly established him on the Los Angeles music scene. As an instructor, Martin has influen…
Episode #22 - Douglas Yeo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:36
Recognized worldwide as a leading low brass performer, teacher, scholar, and author, Douglas Yeo is Clinical Associate Professor of Trombone at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the 2022–2024 academic years.…