Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Matt Wilson Quartet: Gathering Call

6

Matt Wilson Quartet: Gathering Call

By

Sign in to view read count
Track review of "Pumpkin's Delight"

Matt Wilson Quartet: Gathering Call
Other than leading his Arts & Crafts and Quartet ensembles, drummer Matt Wilson may be among the most recorded jazz session drummers of recent times. With guest pianist John Medeski, the ensemble delves into a set consisting of Wilson originals and a mixed bag of pop and jazz tunes, penned by diverse artists such as Beyonce,' Duke Ellington, Butch Warren, Hugh Lawson and others. Nonetheless, the musicians swing hard and enact a few classic jazz type blowing fests. And they occasionally zoom into the free-zone during some heated improvisational segments. Otherwise, Wilson's arrangements are not constructed on longwinded jam sessions. He keeps matters on the upside via concise and often hard-hitting statements amid a multifarious trajectory, streaming with groove-based opuses and harmonious storylines.

Longtime Thelonious Monk group saxophonist Charlie Rouse's "Pumpkin's Delight," is given a '60s style Blue Note Records type aura, as Wilson executes a bristling Latin jazz pulse in support of the frontline horns section, who in turn, lay behind the beat. This piece resides somewhere between classic Horace Silver and Lee Morgan funk, soul-blues and jazz fare. Cornetist Kirk Knuffke and saxophonist Jeff Lederer, articulate the primary theme then launch into a sonic aerial assault, tempered and re-energized by Medeski's spirited and somewhat animated voicings. Moreover, Wilson stretches out and adds icing to the cake with a poetically designed polyrhythmic solo spot, leading the band to closeout. Essentially, variety is a huge factor on this thoroughly hip and attractive program.

Personnel

Jeff Lederer: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet; Kirk Knuffke: cornet; Chris Lightcap: bass; Matt Wilson: drums; John Medeski: piano.

Album information

Title: Gathering Call | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Palmetto Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.