I find it comforting when I hit upon an album that isn't into 'the new thing' - whatever that is! An album that respects the jazz tradition as personified by so many of the past jazz masters such as Peterson and Evans - the genre's equivalent of Bach and Chopin - the latter of whom we'll get back to later.
This is just such a delightful discovery. Wilson, a Detroit born resident of Chicago via L.A has all of the attributes of his illustrious predecessors which are neatly morphed into his own musical DNA.
He can swing like Peterson and be as probing and reflective as Evans whilst, at the same time, retaining his identity.
Four originals plus covers of Monk, Luiz Bonfá. José Alfredo Jiménez and Fredric Chopin - I told you I'd get around to Fred!
The latter's Nocturne in Eb Major pays respect to the original before moving into a gentle improvisation that does no harm at all to Polish-American relations.
The title track, Solemn Moments, is indeed solemn which doesn't mean dirge-like but has a nice easy, laid back, feel to it with some nice basswork by Jackson.
We See: A Monk tune that Wilson re-imagines very effectively. Again Jackson is on the money with Kramer also having his say.
Misnomer: A minor blues that has a funky feel about it. This is 100% a trio and not just piano with bass and drums.
Una Pa' Rosita: A beautiful ballad inspired by a cherished moment when the pianist observed his child watching the transition of a caterpillar to a butterfly.
A Familiar Feeling (Benny's Beat): One to sway your hips to - so says the blurb - and that's just what I'm doing as I type so if there's any typos don't blame it on me blame it on the boogie!
Manhã de Carnaval: Whatever title it sails under, and there are many, it's still a good tune.
1 comment :
Nice review I can’t wait to purchase the vinyl album. Thank you for the review.
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