"This freshly crisp and energetic new album opens on the addictive, finger-snapping melodies of both Spring Roll and the title track Road Trip and back those up with the beautiful mid-tempo hipsway of Clauditti, the forthright piano work back bone of Struttin and then we get the laid back ambiance of Look Within.

Up next is the zesty foot-tapper Owens which is itself backed by the lushly orchestrated, late night, smoky jazz club appeal of A Walk In The Park, with the album rounding out on the hypnotic cadence of Early Morning, closing on the animated Bluedemic." 

Russell Trunk, Exclusive Magazine

JEFFREY SIEGEL’S STRAIGHT NO CHASER

TONI QUEST’S ENERGY STONERS

"Two of the best! Trombonists Alan Goidel and Howard Levy, have both enjoyed successful and highly respected careers performing with the major orchestras of the US. The performance on this recording offers fresh arrangements of jazz, standards, popular songs, hard bop, and originals. Perky, full of zest, and rich in surprises, this is a very special album that shines on every level.”

Grady Harp, Top 100 Reviewer, Amazon

“Sweet slidin’ jazz. There’s nothing more invigoratingfor this reviewer than waking up to that good ol’ sweet slidin’ jazz… trombonists Alan Goidel and Howard Levy lead this fantastically talented quintet that features Howard Levy– trombone; Alan Goidel – trombone;Hiroshi Yamazaki – piano; Michael Goetz – bass and Chuck Zeuren – drums. There are 9 originals from the quintet members, and one of the funkiest tunes I’ve listened to (yet) in 2021 is the upbeat “Struttin’“.. this song had me up & dancin’ all around my listening studio this morning… I have no doubt jazz DJ’s everywhere will be plugging this scorcher into their playlists often! For something with a bit more mellow mood, I thinkyou’ll find the 5:15 “Early Morning“… I particularly enjoyed the interaction between the bass and piano on this sweet song. The title track, “Road Trip“, is perfect for toolin’ on down Route 66 (or any other route, for that matter)… absolutely flawless recording and high-energy performance make the song an absolute winner! I had no difficulty in making my choice for personal favorite of the nine songs offered up… the opener, “Spring Roll“, will definitely put you in a lighthearted mood, with true “spring” in your step. I give Howard, Alan and all the players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.98.”

By Dick Metcalf, Editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews

“An aptly titled band led by the trombonists Alan Goidel and Howard Levy, Slide Attack are well versed in jazz standards, popular songs, bebop, hard bop, and, on this outing anyway, originals that touch on many different facets of jazz sounds. “Spring Roll” gets the album off to a lively start, where tumbling drumming from Chuck Zeuren and frisky piano from Hiroshi Yamazaki complements the bright and soulful brass, and “Road Trip” follows with a bouncy spirit that benefits from Levy and Goidel’s flowing trombones alongside the dynamic rhythm section. Residing near the middle, the playful “Struttin’” emits some Latin influences amid a charming energy, while “Look Within” moves slowly, emotively and with Michael Goetz’s skilled bass plucking adding much to the reflective climate. “Owen”, one of the most animated tunes present, then shuffles with an infectious delivery that you can’t help but move your body to. Approaching the end, “Early Morning” showcases precise drumming and soothing brass mixed into a timeless jazz presence, and “Bluedemic” exits the listen vibrant, swift and with all the members showcasing their respective talents in the textured, thriving climate. Inspired by the group formerly spearheaded by J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding, Road Trip is nothing if not a good time, as Slide Attack’s joyful version of jazz and proficient rock influences make all of these 9 tracks worthy of repeated listens.”

Take Effect-Slide Attack, Road Trip Self-Released, 2021

“It’s plain to see that the legacy of the legendary J.J. Johnson and Kai Winding will live on thanks to a very particular group that held the stage at the 9th Note Jazz and Supper Club in Stamford, Connecticut on August 3rd, 2016. Slide Attack is a seasoned collection of five fantastic musicians fluent in the language of swing, blues, modern jazz and a wide spectrum of genres. Boldly led by the two lead trombonists Alan Goidel and Howard Levy, the band fills the room with the brassy harmonies of some well-chosen jazz arrangements both old and new. For a relatively small venue this group found a balance well suited for both the club and each other, allowing the audience to get a sufficient helping of each instrument. The community of the musicians and the friendly engagement of the audience show these guys have a stage presence that keeps the audience tuned in for their entire set. Once the band kicks up and starts playing, the rhythm section is tight and the trombone harmonies are bonded. As the rhythm section holds it down, the eclectic improvisation of Al and Howard displays a wealth of technical experience in every solo. This is seen as well in the entire ensemble, the piano, bass and the drums all presented their own unique musical ideas in each solo giving the band a very rounded sound. Many of the arrangements they played came off their album “Slide Attack featuring Alan Goidel and Howard Levy” which includes a wide range of classic arrangements that have been given that Slide Attack personality. A particular tune that stuck out of their set was the tune “Sweetness” written by Curtis Fuller that featured the two lead trombones both with mutes that dispersed their tones and blended their harmonies into a warm series of melodies. The improvising by Al and Howard on that tune showed incredible range and intricate lines that would compliment the surrounding chords very nicely. There must be credit given, however, to their piano player for his elegantly fluttering solo as the rhythm section took him for a walk on the tune “Morning Star” written by Rodgers Grant. Overall, these guys are really worth a listen and will be a highlight of any night out.”

Ricky Tegtmeier, Offical SRU Jazz Critic

9th Note Jazz and Supper Club – August 3, 2016

One of the moments I treasure from my years of listening to jazz was hearing the legendary pairing of Jay Johnson and Kai Winding at Newcastle City Hall. That evening (Sept. 12, 1958) the trombone duo, better known as Jay & Kai, appeared alongside, amongst others, Lee Konitz and Zoot Sims as part of a JATP style package touring the UK under the heading of Jazz From Carnegie Hall. I was sitting at the side of the stage - the cheapest seats in the house - which were, paradoxically, the best seats in the house! It was magic being so close to these great musicians - Kenny Clarke, Oscar Pettiford and Phineas Newborn Jr. were also on the bill. Now, over 60 years later, we have another trombone duo carrying the baton and the slides are in good hands. Levy and Goidel, both graduates of the Manhattan School of Music, have CVs that include time spent individually with various bands ranging from Vince Giordano to Jaki Byard to name but two. The compositions are split between the sliders: Levy 5, Goidel 3 and pianist Yamazaki 1. Yamazaki, incidentally, is absolutely brilliant both solowise and as part of the excellent rhythm section. Overall it is a treat, not just for trombonists, although they'll be first in the queue, but for any one who likes jazz to swing the way it did back in the late 1950s. Those moments that we once thought were gone forever but are now constantly resurfacing in all the major jazz cities.

Jazz Spoken Here Album review

 “What better way to honor past masters than to keep their musical spirits alive? SLIDE ATTACK pays homage to the great trombonists J.J. Johnson & Kai Winding AND ALSO to their unique two-trombone jazz quintet, which became one of the most popular jazz groups of the 1950s. Kudos to Howard Levy and Alan Goidel as keepers of the flame!”

Dave Chamberlain, Band of Bones

"What a wonderful album!  In so many ways, this music is so refreshing - excellent arrangements, interesting repertoire, all put together with the care and love that can only come from true dedication and appreciation for the kind of swinging jazz that one doesn't hear nearly enough nowadays. In the great tradition of the two-trombone groups of yesteryear, Mr. Levy and Mr. Goidel deserve our gratitude for keeping the tradition not only alive, but swinging!"

Loren Schoenberg, Artistic Director, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem