Christopher Lucas Wilson (piano); Alex Austin (bass); Isaiah Spencer (drums)
Like Wilson's previous album, Solemn Moments released in 2023, Wilson's Way is another joyful mix of originals, standards, Latin and bebop all played in Wilson's way - pardon the pun.
Years ago another Wilson, Teddy, was invariably described as elegant as indeed his playing always was. With the passage of time elegance became a lesser-used adjective in jazz circles - until now that is. Thanks to Christopher Lucas Wilson, if this album is anything to go by, elegance is very much back in fashion.
This doesn't mean that it's dated but, like all good jazz, it's timeless. Wilson delivers five originals, a couple of standards and an emotional solo piano version of Jiménez's Tu Recuerdo Y Yo which translates as Your memory and me. It seems to me to be a second cousin of In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.
The trio are very much an 'as one' unit which is exemplified by Bésame Mucho with Spencer laying down the rumba (?) rhythm, Austin soloing authentically and Wilson capturing the feel of the song.
Good Company swings (another 'dirty' word these days) as does Hallowed Be with its drum solo and boppish piano licks. Night Notes has all three strutting and Porter's You'd be so Nice to Come Home to is always a fave with player and punter and the trio do Cole's classic justice.
It's not out until October 9 so make a note of it NOW! Lance
Wilson's Way; Bésame Mucho; Stillness; Good Company; Hallowed Be; Night Notes;You'd be so Nice to Come Home to; Tu Recuerdo Y Yo

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