A fine straight-ahead trombonist who considers his main idol to be Carl Fontana, Scott Whitfield has been based in New York since 1993. Earlier on, he had recorded with Pete Petersen's Collection Jazz Orchestra (1985), various North Texas State University bands, and the Jimmy Dorsey Ghost Orchestra in 1992. In addition, Whitfield led the Help Wanted Big Band on a 1986 date for a tiny label. Since coming to New York as a member of Nat Adderley's group, Whitfield has recorded with Nnenna Freelon, the Manhattan Vocal Project (with whom he sings), the DMP Big Band, Cedar Walton, the Pratt Brothers Big Band, and on his own set for Amosaya, To Be There. The 2004 album Live at Birdland began a relationship with the Sparrow label. A year later, The Minute Game introduced his Jazz Orchestra West, while 2006's Diamonds for Nat featured his Jazz Orchestra East. ~ Scott Yanow