Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Bob Rockwell 5: Bob's Wilder

352

The Bob Rockwell 5: Bob's Wilder

By

Sign in to view read count
The Bob Rockwell 5: Bob's Wilder
Here's another album to file under "p" for "pleasant surprises." Bob Rockwell, an American saxophonist who traveled to Denmark as a young man and has lived there ever since (which may explain the omission of his name in both the New Grove Dictionary and Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz ), is a persuasive modernist on tenor or soprano who surveys the music of composer Alec Wilder on this splendidly recorded and invariably charming studio session.

Besides the leader, the Rockwell 5 is comprised of trumpeter Mårten Lundgren, pianist Kasper Villaume, bassist Marc Davis and drummer Karsten Bagge, who work seamlessly together like parts in a well-oiled machine. Lundgren, we're told, is known more as a section player than soloist. Based on the testimony presented here, he should solo more often, as he unveils a remarkable knack for persuasive improvisation. As for Rockwell, he reminds me, sonically and stylistically, of my favorite young American tenor, Eric Alexander, which is high praise indeed, as I believe that Alexander stands head and shoulders above his peers. Even so, Rockwell's no clone; he has a number of creative ideas to impart, which he does candidly and without a trace of self-indulgence, either on tenor or soprano (which Rockwell plays on "If Love Is Like a Lark," "Moon and Sand" and "Lovers and Losers"). Villaume is yet another able soloist, as he proves on several occasions.

The songs that Rockwell has chosen are rather unexpected, as they are not among Wilder's better-known works—the only two whose names I recognized are "Moon and Sand" and "Lady Sings the Blues." What this says, above all else, is that there is far more to Alec Wilder than "I'll Be Around," "While We're Young" or "It's So Peaceful in the Country." Even though obscure, each of these melodies is thoroughly enchanting, which serves to heighten one's sense of discovery.

My reaction to the album as a whole is best summed up in the title of the opening track, "I Like It Here." My guess is that you would too. I don't often dwell on playing times, but when an album clocks in at 78: 10, as this one does, it's at least worth mentioning. What's more important from the listener's point of view is that each of those minutes is neatly planned and extremely rewarding.

Track Listing

I Like It Here; Mimosa and Me; If Love Is Like a Lark; Listen to Your Heart; I Like It Here (And This Is Where I'll Stay); Moon and Sand; Lovers and Losers; Rain, Rain; Lady Sings the Blues; Don't Deny; The Wrong Blues; Where Do You Go; Lady Sings the Blues (radio version). (78:10)

Personnel

Bob Rockwell
saxophone

Bob Rockwell, soprano, tenor saxophone; M

Album information

Title: Bob's Wilder | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Stunt Records/Sundance Music

Comments

Tags


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.

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.