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Sam Wilkes: When I Can Read My Titles Clear

by Scott Lichtman
Bassist Sam Wilkes is known in jazz inner circles for the beauty of his instrumental sound. Immersing yourself in the flow of his ambient compositions, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that his electric bass is the bedrock of the harmony as well as the melody and rhythm in these songs. Wilkes also possesses a keen set of funky and improvisational chops. The bassist, dare one suggest, comes across like Jaco Pastorius chilled out by 40%. Share ...
Continue ReadingSam Wilkes: Wilkes

by Matt Hooke
A debut album by a bassist sometimes features displays of tremendous virtuosity, an attempt to expand the boundaries of an instrument often relegated to the background. Think of Jaco Pastorius's self-titled debut album. On Wilkes, LA session musician Sam Wilkes, best known for backing electronic duo Knowner, goes in the opposite direction, and that's what makes it special. Wilkes sets up saxophonist Sam Gendel as the lead voice instead of himself for most the album. Wilkes' bass is ...
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