Jake Wilkinson, trumpet and piano; Josh Brown, trombone; Mark Eisenman, piano; Graig Earle, bass; Sean Abedin, drums.
Trumpet player Jake Wilkinson offers us thirteen tracks; twelve of them all his own work, and most of which have been inspired by people who were near to him. The opening track, "Scott's Mission", is smooth, thoughtful and lightly textured. "Don't Bug Me" is more upbeat, Graig Earle on bass and Sean Abedin on drums keep it moving and buoyant. The tracks mood changes frequently, offering reflection, then celebration. We get to mix it a bit with "Roti Mama", on which there is some fine solo work and a decent walloping of drums. A good interpretation of Cole Porter's "It's Alright With Me", has Wilkinson scorching on trumpet. This is a well-knit group, even in the upbeat numbers softness pervades; as does a thread of prayerful interpretation. Wilkinson has good control of light and shade; he is conversational and persuasive with an easy feel to his playing. The CD is perhaps a little long, losing a couple of tracks might have kept the whole more vital; but a good CD.
by Ferdinand Maylin
Jazz Now Interactive June 2004 Vol 14 No. 2 - Table of Contents
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