Mariel Bildsten: “Steppin’ Out!” (2023) CD Review

Mariel Bildsten is a trombone player based in New York City, where she leads her own band as well as works on other artists’ projects, including recording with Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (you can hear her work on that band’s 2021 release Virtual Birdland). She also teaches, providing trombone lessons. Her new EP, Steppin’ Out!, features her arrangements of songs from a few of her favorite composers, along with one original composition. Joining her on these tracks are Bruce Harris on trumpet, Sarah Hanahan on alto saxophone, Ruben Fox on tenor saxophone, Miki Yamanaka on piano, Barry Stephenson on bass, and TJ Reddick on drums.

The EP opens with an absolutely delightful rendition of Duke Ellington’s “Downtown Uproar.” Part of the joy of the piece is that steady rhythm, particularly on piano. That instrument seems to be smiling even before that lead. But it is the brass section that lifts this track up and makes life feel like a party, like a celebration, each instrument engaged in a playful dance. I especially love the play between trumpet and trombone. This is such a fun tune, and a great way to open the disc. When I listen to music like this, it’s difficult to fathom all the strife and hardships and fighting going on in the world. If there is going to be peace on this planet, I believe it’s going to come from music like this, not politics (but perhaps I’m mad). Mariel Bildsten follows that with another Duke Ellington composition, “Don’t You Know I Care?” This one is a mellower, romantic and beautiful piece, and Mariel’s work is soothing, comforting, allowing us to drift into memory. This track also features some really nice work on trumpet, and it is during that section that the energy increases. Check out the bass work during that part as well. Wonderful stuff.

Mariel Bildsten then moves to the work of a different Duke, Duke Pearson, with “New Girl.” This tune was first included on the 1966 record Honeybuns by The Duke Pearson Nonet, and then two years later on Introducing Duke Pearson’s Big Band. Mariel Bildsten does a great job with it. There is a good deal of joy to the playing here, again bringing to mind a better world. This track features an excellent lead on piano. I love how the music builds just before it gently sets us down at the end. That’s followed by “Polka Dots & Moonbeams,” composed by Jimmy Van Heusen. Some of that work is so smooth it just glides right into you, warming you. Romance still lives, in this dance that feels like a dream. And shouldn’t we all feel that way when we have that special someone in our arms, the rest of the world melting away, so that it is just the two of us and this music. What more is needed? A saxophone should always accompany our romantic moments, don’t you think?

Steppin’ Out! concludes with its title track, the EP’s sole original composition. This is another that is likely to have you forgetting about your troubles. The musicians are clearly enjoying themselves, and you can hear some cheerful, encouraging shouts in the background of the track during the trumpet lead, the musicians caught up in the groove and the moment. Some wonderful work on tenor saxophone follows, and then there is a delicious piano section, while that bass line and the drums keep everything moving, so you don’t have a moment to consider anything but how good the music makes you feel. And it’s over all too soon.

CD Track List

1. Downtown Uproar
2. Don’t You Know I Care?
3. New Girl
4. Polka Dots & Moonbeams
5. Steppin’ Out!

Steppin’ Out! was released on was released on August 25, 2023.