EP review: The Graeme Wilson Quartet – Pleasureland

Graeme Wilson (tenor saxophone), Paul Edis (piano & Hammond organ), Andy Champion (double bass) & Adam Sinclair (drums).

(Review by Russell)

Pleasureland is a four-track EP sampler recording by the Graeme Wilson Quartet. The music is composed by Graeme Wilson and his quartet comprises four of the very best musicians working on the Britishwww.graemebwilson.co.uk jazz scene. Wilson’s CV includes numerous CD recording sessions, commissioned suites and performance experience across the jazz spectrum and beyond.

The curiously titled Toe of Fudge opens the EP with the composer in typical form; the stop/start, switch-back compositional form, Wilson’s tenor work unfailingly logical in conception and execution (pianist Paul Edis is heard in playful mood on the Hammond). The title track – Pleasureland – is the one ballad. All four musicians excel with drummer Adam Sinclair in subtle, yet propulsive form as Wilson’s sinuous tenor takes it out.

Street of Furs is one of those tunes, once heard, for ever in mind. Flowing, inviting the nominated soloist to stretch out. Bassist Andy Champion is never less than immaculate and the closing number – Honolulus – is an excellent example of his unsurpassed facility on his chosen instrument. Hear Honolulus on this EP and you will want to hear Wilson and co in concert.

Pleasureland (GBWQ001) by the Graeme Wilson Quartet is available now. Photography by Cath Keay.

Visit: www.graemebwilson.co.uk

Highly recommended. 

Russell.