Information/Write-up
Teddy Roderman – Smooth Brass, Studio Gold (1924–1980)
Teddy Roderman was one of Canada's finest trombonists—an expressive soloist, gifted arranger, and ensemble leader whose career spanned orchestral, jazz, and easy-listening realms. Born in Toronto on March 21, 1924, and raised in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood, Roderman began performing professionally at the age of sixteen under Robert Farnon and honed his skills as part of the Canadian Army Show during the Second World War. He was a key member of the Armed Forces Entertainment Unit, which later served in Korea, where Roderman continued as lead trombonist.
Early in his musical development, he studied with Harry Hawe, the principal trombonist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under Sir Ernest MacMillan. Hawe considered Roderman and fellow student Murray Ginsberg among his most promising protégés and left his trombone to Roderman upon his passing.
Following his return to civilian life, Roderman became a first-call player in Canada’s emerging broadcast and recording scene. He served as principal trombonist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the CBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Howard Cable Concert Band, and was frequently heard on CBC radio and television broadcasts throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His tone—warm, lyrical, and precise—was widely admired, and his adaptability made him a favourite among composers and conductors alike. He performed under such renowned figures as Igor Stravinsky, Percy Faith, Nelson Riddle, Stan Kenton, Henry Mancini, Lucio Agostini, Billy May, and others, and contributed to dozens of studio sessions and orchestral events during Canada’s golden era of public broadcasting.
Roderman’s first known commercial recordings appeared in 1962 as the featured soloist on two albums arranged and conducted by Johnny Burt for the Canadian Talent Library. On Trombone (CTL 5004), he took centre stage on smooth renditions of “Secret Love,” “Sleepy Lagoon,” “Where or When,” and other romantic standards, while Reminiscing (CTL 5014) further showcased his rich phrasing on ballads such as “Far Away Places” and Burt’s own “Mike Fright.”
In 1967, Roderman stepped forward as a leader with Teddy Roderman’s 6 Trombones, a concept album featuring overdubbed trombone harmonies and chamber-jazz arrangements aimed at Canadian radio listeners. The LP included standout arrangements by Rob McConnell (“Sunny,” “Goodbye,” “That’s Life,” “Meditation”), Roy Smith (“The Happening,” “Up-Up and Away,” “Oops”), Johnny Burt (“Lovers Roulette,” “Sunshine, Lollipops and Roses”), and Lucio Agostini (“A Gliss to Build a Gleam On”).
His final CTL release, Makin’ It With You (1971), featured arrangements blending melodic jazz with soft rock textures. The sessions included Doug Riley on keyboards, Bob Lucier on pedal steel, and Brian Leonard on drums. That same year, Roderman released a rare CBC single, Stay Awhile (LM-120), which continued his exploration of contemporary easy-listening sounds, anchored by his signature trombone voicings.
Roderman was also active as a member of several notable Canadian studio ensembles including Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Johnny Burt Trombones, The Johnny Burt Society, and Howard Cable and the Highway Eleven, further cementing his place in Canada’s jazz and light music legacy. Throughout his career he was credited under several variations of his name, including Ted Roderman, Teddy Roderman Orchestra, and Teddy Roderman’s 6 Trombones.
In the late 1970s, Roderman moved to Florida, where he continued to arrange, perform, and enjoy a quieter life. He passed away from cancer in September 1980 at the age of 56. His son, Hap (Eric) Roderman, was a founding member of Rough Trade and later played with the Mike McKenna Slidewinder Band. Though Teddy Roderman remains under-recognized in mainstream jazz histories, his contributions to Canadian broadcasting, orchestral music, and the unique CTL soundscape are indelible.
-Robert Williston
Arrangements by Rob McConnell (Sunny, Goodbye, That’s Life, Meditation), Roy Smith (The Happening, Up-Up and Away, Oops), Johnny Burt (Lovers Roulette, Sunshine, Lollipops and Roses)
and Lucio Agostini (A Gliss To Build A Gleam On)
Produced by J. Lyman Potts
Engineered by Bill Giles
Recording Supervisor: Johnny Burt
Liner notes:
If the motion picture "The Glenn Miller Story" had been produced in Canada, without question the man selected to provide the musical "Miller" trombone sound-track for star Jimmy Stewart would have been Teddy Roderman. For nearly three decades, Teddy has been to the Canadian musical scene what Dorsey, Miller and their counterparts and successors are in the United States. He could qualify for the first trombonist's chair in any recording studio on this or any other continent.
A native Torontonian who has turned down several offers from foreign conductors, Teddy prefers to make his home and his living in Canada.
Teddy Roderman played his first professional engagement at the age of 16 in an orchestra conducted by Robert Farnon. Farnon went on to conduct The Canadian Army Show, and for four years Teddy was a member of this formidable musical organization. On his discharge, he proceeded to become principal trombonist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the CBC Symphony, a post he also held with The Howard Cable Concert Band.
In his career, Teddy has performed under nearly every world famous conductor — Percy Faith, Jack Kane, Lucio Agostini, Nelson Riddle, Stan Kenton, Billy May and Henry Mancini, to name a few. One of his most remarkable experiences was playing lead trombone for a record album; on this occasion the conductor was Igor Stravinsky.
In recent years, Roderman has been busily occupied in the production of films, radio and television programs, commercial jingles and recordings. He has performed for The Canadian Talent Library as trombonist in the Johnny Burt's orchestra, in addition to participating in CTL recording sessions under other leaders.
With this album the prominence and recognition given the outstanding talent of Teddy Roderman, leading a six-trombone unit supported by vibraphone, guitar, bass, drums and piano, is long overdue.
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