The contributions of Tommy Pederson (1920-1998) to trombone performance and literature in the twentieth century : a lecture recital and document

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Michelle Poland Devlin (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Randy Kohlenberg

Abstract: "Tommy Pederson (1920-1998) was a twentieth century trombonist and composer whose legacy continues through his many compositions and recordings. Although Pederson's life affected many in the trombone community, articles and other materials that describe his contributions are difficult to locate. A studio musician who often has been described as the "foremost authority on the art of playing the trombone," Pederson has been heard on countless soundtracks and recordings. Born August 15, 1920, Pullman Gerald "Tommy" Pederson started playing the trombone at age 13 and began his musical career as a member of Orrin Tucker's touring band in 1940. In 1946, Pederson relocated permanently in Los Angeles, where he continued his career as a big band performer. After 1948, Pederson worked as a freelance studio trombonist for over twenty years on radio and televisions shows, movies, and records, rejecting a career in any one motion picture staff orchestra because this would have limited his ability to freelance. Pederson was not only a performer, but also a composer and arranger. His compositional career produced a catalogue of works totaling over three hundred titles including works for solo trombone and trombone ensemble. Six compositions are examined in this document, including Wines and Chimes, Silhouettes, Waltz of the Dirty Shirts, The Prince of Attica, She Has Gone, and I've Been Working on the Trombone. Pederson's works feature compositional devices that are reflective of both his studio playing and elements of jazz. In addition, many of his works incorporate a uniqueness achieved through the whimsical treatment of a familiar melody. Pederson was fortunate during his career to have a testing ground for his compositions in Hoyt's Garage, a group that featured the most successful Los Angeles studio musicians of the time. Several of the performers collaborated with Pederson to produce recording projects that feature his compositions and arrangements. Remembered as a trombonist and composer, Pederson's albums and compositions document his substantial and varied contributions to trombone performance and literature. Highlighted by many performances with well known singers and instrumentalists, Pederson's legacy is an unmatched quantity of literature for the trombone."--Abstract from author supplied metadata.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
Tommy Pederson, twentieth century, trombonist, composer, compositions, recordings, trombone, musician
Subjects
Pederson, Tommy--Influence
Pederson, Tommy
Trombonists--United States

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