Bill Reichenbach
Bill Reichenbach
The Unsung Maestro Behind Music's Iconic Moments
Bill Reichenbach Jr. might not be a household name, but his trombone has serenaded you through countless films and albums, subtly shaping the soundtrack of your life.
In the late ’70s, Bill’s trombone graced Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall (1979), marking MJ’s evolution from child star to global icon.
Reflecting on these sessions, Bill fondly recalls, “Working with Michael was a unique experience; his energy and vision were unparalleled.”
Critics agreed, with Rolling Stone praising the album’s “irresistible dance grooves and lush arrangements.”
Three years later, Bill was back in the studio for Jackson’s groundbreaking Thriller (1982), the album that didn’t just set records—it shattered them.
His trombone-enriched hits like “Beat It” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” add subtle yet significant layers to the album’s iconic sound.
Ever the perfectionist Quincy Jones left an indelible impression on Bill, who later remarked, “Quincy demanded perfection, pushing all of us to deliver our best.”
The New York Times labeled Thriller “a watershed moment in pop music,” forever cementing Bill’s quiet role in music history.
Beyond the pop realm, Bill’s trombone added muscle and magic to cinema’s most thrilling musical moments, notably through his collaborations with composer John Williams.
In Jurassic Park (1993), his horn resonated amidst awe-inspiring dinosaurs, prompting Filmtracks.com to describe the soundtrack as “a landmark in film scoring.”
Bill described these sessions with Williams as “an inspiring experience,” highlighting the composer’s remarkable “ability to bring out the best in every musician.”
His work continued with the emotionally charged score of Schindler’s List (1993), an experience Bill found “deeply moving,” emphasizing the musicians’ collective commitment to honoring the sensitive subject matter.
The Los Angeles Times praised the hauntingly beautiful music, acknowledging its powerful impact on the film’s emotional depth.
Bill’s adventurous spirit shone brightly in jazz circles, particularly alongside revolutionary bassist Jaco Pastorius on the acclaimed live album Invitation (1983).
The vibrant interplay between Bill’s trombone and Jaco’s bass dazzled critics, with AllMusic commending their “brilliant interplay and inventive arrangements.”
Bill described touring with Jaco as “electrifying,” captivated by the iconic bassist’s boundless creativity.
He also infused fun into family favorites like Toy Story (1995) and its sequel Toy Story 2 (1999), enhancing whimsical moments with spirited brass flair.
Bill reflected warmly on these sessions, calling them “pure fun” and cherishing the chance to “bring animated characters to life through music.”
Entertainment Weekly praised the soundtrack’s “infectious melodies and vibrant orchestrations,” further cementing Bill’s ability to elevate entertainment for audiences of all ages.
His trombone subtly amplified tension, drama, and heroism in action-packed blockbusters such as Independence Day (1996) and Spider-Man (2002).
On Independence Day, he described the scoring sessions as “thrilling,” fully aware of the “intensity and scale” of the project. The Hollywood Reporter echoed this excitement, praising the film’s score for its “patriotic fervor.”
Likewise, Bill brought dynamic energy to Spider-Man, calling the experience “exciting” and noting his delight in contributing musically to a beloved hero’s journey. IGN praised this soundtrack for its “energetic and memorable themes.”
His versatility also enhanced Neil Young’s introspective orchestral experiment, Storytone (2014), where Bill admired Young’s “raw and authentic approach,” and Rolling Stone hailed the album as “a bold experiment.”
Beyond his performance career, Bill has been a dedicated advocate for musicians’ welfare. He founded the Hearts of Music Fund, a non-profit organization assisting musicians without insurance.
Reflecting on its inception, Bill noted, “Back then, there were a lot of musicians who didn’t have insurance. And sadly, there’s a good possibility starting next year, there will be a lot of musicians who won’t have insurance again.”
Simply put, if you’ve ever tapped your foot in a theater seat or hummed along to a legendary track, there’s a good chance Bill Reichenbach’s trombone was serenading you behind the scenes. He’s the soundtrack you didn’t know you knew—a secret maestro orchestrating the pulse of popular culture, one note at a time.
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