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Gerald Wilson Orchestra: New York, New Sound
With New York, New Sound, Wilson at age 85 belatedly makes his triumphant return to the Big Apple, a city he left at the peak of his popularity and commercial success in 1947. His debut album for Mack Avenue Records is crisp, fresh, and lively, with that ebullience that Wilson followers have learned to expect. At the same time, the CD has the comfortable familiarity of the latest edition of your favorite car: you know it’s new, but the seat is so deep and cozy, it feels as if it were fashioned just for you; handling is predictable, and all the controls are recognizable and in their familiar places.
The CD is sprinkled with jazz standards (such as Miles Davis’ “Milestones,” John Coltrane’s “Equinox,” and Wilson’s own “Viva Tirado”), but even the original tunes (like “Teri,” “Blues for Yna Yna,” and ”Theme for Monterey”) are so inevitable, you wonder why no one ever thought of them before. The album is nicely paced, with good variety; opening and closing bookends pursue a feverish pace, while ballads (mysterious, poignant and lush), several blues, a jazz waltz, and two Latin delicacies are tucked neatly in between. All bear the hallmark of Wilson’s identifiable arranging genius.
As much as composer, arranger, and bandleader, Wilson has distinguished himself as music educator, having taught in multiple locations and formats for more than 30 years, most recently at UCLA. Those interested in learning more about the true artistry of big band jazz need look no further.
Track Listing
1. Milestones 2. Blues for the Count 3. Equinox 4. Viva Tirado (Mucho Mas) 5. Teri 6. Blues for Yna Yna 7. Theme for Monterey: 8. M Capetillo 9. Josefina 10. Nancy Jo
Personnel
Gerald Wilson
composer / conductorThe New York Gerald Wilson Orchestra. Trumpets: Clark Terry - Fluegelhorn & Trumpet (track 2)/Trumpet (track 6), Jon Faddis - (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10), Jimmy Owens, Eddie Henderson, Frank Greene - (tracks 3, 4 and 7), Sean Jones. Trombones: Benny Powell, Luis Bonilla, Dennis Wilson, Douglas Purviance. Reeds/Saxophones: Jimmy Heath - Tenor Sax, Frank Wess - Tenor Sax (all tracks)/Flute (track 2), Jesse Davis - Alto Sax, Jerry Dodgion - Alto Sax (all tracks)/Flute (tracks 2 and 8), Jay Brandford - Baritone Sax. Piano: Kenny Barron - (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10), Renee Rosnes - (tracks 3, 4 and 7). Guitar: Anthony Wilson, Oscar Castro-Neves (track 8). Bass: Larry Ridley - (tracks 1, 4, 6, 8 and 10), Trey Henry - (tracks 5, 7 [Romance] and 9), Bob Cranshaw - (tracks 2, 3 and 6). Drums: Lewis Nash - (tracks 1, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10), Stix Hooper -(tracks 2, 3, 4 and 7). Percussion: Lenny Castro -(tracks 4 and 8).
Album information
Title: New York, New Sound | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Mack Avenue Records
About Gerald Wilson
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