Bill Reichenbach Jr.

William Frank Reichenbach Jr. (born November 30, 1949) is an American jazz trombonist and composer. He is the son of Bill Reichenbach, who was the drummer for Charlie Byrd from 1962 to 1973. He is best known as a session musician for television, films, cartoons, and commercials. He primarily specializes in playing the bass trombone, however, he is also proficient in playing other instruments such as the tenor trombone, contrabass trombone, euphonium, and tuba.

In 1997 he recorded a solo album, Special Edition, where he is featured on tenor as well as bass trombone.

Early life and career

Reichenbach Jr. was born and raised in Takoma Park, Maryland. He began playing in high school for bands in the Washington, D.C. area, and also sat in with his father's group, where he played with Milt Jackson, Zoot Sims, and others.

He went to Rochester, New York to study at the Eastman School of Music with the legendary teacher Emory Remington, and after graduating, joined the Buddy Rich band.

In 1975, he decided to relocate to Los Angeles, where he would play with the Toshiko Akiyoshi – Lew Tabackin Big Band and the Don Menza Big Band and Sextet in the mid/late 1970s. After his move, he became known for music for television and film.

He played trombone on The Wiz and, with the Seawind Horns including Jerry Hey, on Michael Jackson's albums Off the Wall and Thriller. He also acted as a composer for Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue.

Bill Reichenbach is a Greenhoe Trombones Performing Artist, performing on a GC5-2R-TIS Bass Trombone with Tuning-in-Slide.

Collaborations