Meet the Grantees: Jennifer Wharton's Bonegasm

After playing the same show night after night, eight times a week, in-demand Broadway and commercial freelancer Jennifer Wharton felt stuck. Not sure of her next move, she turned to one of her trusted colleagues who suggested that Wharton needed something of her own. And while Wharton was already something of an anomaly as a female trombone player in a well-established jazz band, Wharton took the advice to heart.   

Wharton commissioned an initial piece in January of 2017, and by July of that same year, her ensemble, Bonegasm, made its debut. Today, the group is something of a powerhouse force in chamber music, preparing for the release of their third album, Grit and Grace, made possible with the help of a Chamber Music America 2023 Artistic Projects grant.  

In time for the application period for 2024 Artistic Projects grant program, which offers funding for small ensembles to complete and present projects to NYC audiences, CMA staffer Ben Schonhorn caught up with Wharton to learn more.  

CMA: The name of your group is quite unique. What does it mean? 

JW: Here is the definition: bonegasm /bōnˌɡazəm/ noun. a climax of musical excitement, characterized by feelings of pleasure centered in the ears and experienced as an accompaniment to hearing a group of trombone players.

BS: Since forming in 2017, what are some of your ensemble’s biggest challenges?  

JW: It’s expensive to have an ensemble. It’s hard to explain to people why they should care about what we are doing. The band is made up of really incredible musicians—including Grammy nominees—that have bands and projects of their own. Still, it’s hard to get everyone in the same place at the same time.

BS: Who has been a guide on this journey? 

JW: Several amazing folks have taught me through the years, including Orrin Cross III, John Maltester, David Ridge, Douglas Yeo, John Engelkes and Robert Edwards. Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen was someone I turned to when I was having one of those moments that so many Broadway musicians have: Is this all there is? She told me that I needed something of my own.

And my amazing husband, John Fedchock, has offered  guidance on things like advice booking gigs, creating setlists, etc. All the stuff nobody teaches you in school.

BS: Do you have a dream performance venue?

JW: I’ve played at Dizzy’s many times but never with my own band. And I’d love to play at the Blue Note because my husband and I met there.

BS: Can you share a sneak peek of the project you’re working on with funding from the 2023 Artistic Projects grant?

JW: We recorded our third album, Grit & Grace, which will be released on Sunnyside Records this October and presented at The Jazz Gallery on Wednesday, October 25. Every note was either composed or arranged by a woman. I always felt weird trying to be an ally to other women when my band was just dudes. I asked myself how I could do better, and this was the answer. To have so many women contribute to this album—and to contribute music of my own—felt like a real treat for me, and I hope the audience feels the same way.

BS: What advice do you have for ensembles applying for CMA grants? 

JW: Patience and diligence. Planning is paramount. A friend told me you should always consider two questions: Why this? Why now? Make sure you know the answers to those questions.

BS: Final question, just for fun. If Bonegasm were a sandwich, which would you be and why? 

 JW: We would be “The Bomb” from my favorite sandwich shop: Sal, Kris & Charlie’s Deli in Astoria, Queens. It’s legendary. As USA Today put it, “One bite of this sandwich and the world comes alight with activity. This sandwich tastes like exuberance. This sandwich is vitality. It is youth. It is a carefree picnic on the beach; it is a throbbing block party on a perfect summer night.” That is Bonegasm.

Learn more about CMA’s 2024 Artistic Projects program here.  

Follow Jennifer Wharton on Instagram or Facebook and visit jenniferwharton.com/bonegasm.