“On his second album, trombonist Alex Heitlinger continues to show why ASCAP has honored him with its Young Jazz Composer award for the last two years… Of his young band, the only player I had heard of was the superb trumpeter Shane Endsley, but together they masterfully bring the leader’s tunes to life—pensive, plush and panoramic post-bop—in all their rich, harmonic glory. Although all of the musicians get substantial solo space and use it wisely, the real accomplishment has to be the elegant ensemble play. Heitlinger’s elaborate, richly lyric tunes give each improviser plenty to chew on. Each tune contains numerous, discreet episodes and plenty of harmonic movement. But his dense arrangements, which convey a much larger sound than you’d expect from a sextet, guide the listener through each section with an abundance sonic warmth, and provide even more material for each soloist to work with. One to watch.” -Peter Margasak, Downbeat Magazine
“Alex Heitlinger is a thoughtful trombonist and a promising composer whose new album, The Daily Life of Uncle Roger, makes full use of avuncular inspiration. His sextet features some considerable talent…” -Nate Chinen, New York Times
“Alex Heitlinger is a composer and trombonist with a unique voice–and we can use the word “unique” in its most honest form, not the ubiquitous cliché it’s become. This is a disc that deserves your attention…” -Chris Van Hof, International Trombone Association Journal
“Maybe Uncle Roger has a Farm and is threatened by changing circumstances: reminiscence, regret, determination, defiance, reluctant acceptance, [and] self-assertion seem to come up, but the title track finds wry bounce in the cyclical nature of ‘most everything… good playing [and] not over-politeness by the entire company…” –Howard Mandel, Blunt Notes from casual CD listening
“…very much in the exploratory spirit of Booker Little’s amazing early 1960’s sextet… melodic and sonorous, full of appealing hooks and rich harmonies.” -Darcy James Argue, Secret Society
“Big and broad sextet sound… the feel and execution were solid” –David Adler
“His jazz playing has elements of whimsy that remind me of Bill Harris and Roswell Rudd. His flights of fancy extend into his writing… This one was a pleasant surprise.” -Doug Ramsey
“Green Light stands as an engaging album that not only brings Heitlinger to light as a composer and player to watch, but also presents a group of equally fine and underexposed musicians.” –John Kelman, All About Jazz
“[Alex Heitlinger] demonstrates great promise through his knack for writing catchy melodies… colorful horn arrangements that are broadcasted immediately on the opening “Green Light”, a buoyant, yet driving piece that demonstrates the group’s highly interactive level… The polyphony from the horns also inspires… Heitlinger’s sensitivity also shines through… Considering the whole, then, this record is sure to please those looking for a mix of mainstream jazz and announces the arrival of a name to watch.” –Jay Collins, One Final Note