Anthony Wilson

AdultThemes

MAMA MMF 1026 (68.47)

Anthony Wilson, guitar, e/sitar, kazoo; Carl Saunders,trumpet, flugehorn; Ira Nepus, trombone; Jeff Clayton (alto sax,clarinet, flute; Pete Christlieb, tenor sax; Jack Nimitz, baritone sax,bass clarinet; Donald Vega, piano; Joe Bagg, organ; Danton Boller, bass; Mark Ferber, drums; Greg Ellis, percussion, tamboura

Anthony Willson is the son of Gerald Wilson, former New York trumpet player and later as well as today, a notable arranger and big band leader on the US West Coast. Apart from this connection with Jazz, Anthony is currently a prominent member of Diana Krall's high flying quartet, a group that gives him plenty of opportunity to display his superb technique as a "Wes" influenced modern guitarist. But he also has considerable ability as a composer and arranger, which he demonstrates ably on this interesting CD. It is this aspect of his talents that gives the music here a wider appeal than just a straight ahead Jazz album.

Among the excellent nlusicians chosen to interpret the charts are Pete Christlieb and Carl Saunders with a special mention for Danton Boller's bass playing, even so there are no weak links in this aggregation. Danny Boy is an outstnnding track, developing from a straight forward guitar statement of the tune to a bluesy baritone saxophone led ensemble. This superb CD has wonderful West Coast overtones, in which Anthony shows a rare musical maturity - he is an important new voice in Jazz with his composing, arranging and guitar playing, all of equal importance.

This recording deserves the full attention of serious Jazz followers,

by Al Merritt

More New Sounds