Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bruce Barth / Steve Wilson: Home

362

Bruce Barth / Steve Wilson: Home

By

Sign in to view read count
Bruce Barth / Steve Wilson: Home
The increase in house concerts throughout the country is apparent, taking place in big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and Baltimore, as well as in smaller towns such as Columbia, Missouri, where this recorded duo date took place. Appearing at the home of Barbara Tellerman and Allyn Sher in 2009, pianist Bruce Barth and saxophonist Steve Wilson created some excellent music with vibrantly alive sound quality.

Barth and Wilson have been playing together since they met in New York in the late eighties, mostly alongside each other in groups. This is the first time, though, that they have recorded as a duo, a context ideal for their sensitive, creative talents, providing ample space for back-and-forth exchanges and the freedom to expand in solos.

The song selection includes four Barth originals, each containing varied textures. Adding the mix, each player brings in witty instrumental quotes from the Great American Ssongbook, including occasional phrases from masters like George Gershwin and Duke Ellington.

Highlights are plentiful here, particularly on Barth's compositions, starting with "The Ways of the West," where the duo's chemistry is palpable in the sweet blending of piano and soprano sax at the song's beginning. In the liner notes, Wilson writes that he has the mentality of a "frustrated drummer," a quality apparent in his solo, which incorporates solid rhythmic bursts on his horn.

On the atonal "Keep It Moving," Barth shows his Thelonious Monk influence, reaching a peak in his jagged solo. The pace is then slowed by the gorgeous "L. C.," featuring Wilson's haunting soprano solo, matched by Barth's flowing arpeggio runs.

A further change of stride is provided by "Blues Interruptus." Lowdown and bluesy, Barth offers up a few bars, onto which Wilson immediately grabs with his alto. On Bud Powell's be-bopper, "Wail," Wilson gives his all in a dazzling, swirling Charlie Parker-like solo.

"Sweet and Lovely" ends the CD on a high note. Barth's swinging, rocking solo suggests a mini-history of jazz, with allusions ranging from Earl Hines, Art Tatum and Fats Waller to Oscar Peterson and Erroll Garner. This wrap-up also underscores the almost extrasensory musical communication between its participants.

Track Listing

1. All Through the Night; The Ways of the West; Keep It Moving; L.C.; Blues Interruptus; Wail; Sweet and Lovely.

Personnel

Bruce Barth: piano; Steve Wilson: soprano and alto sax.

Album information

Title: Home | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Self Produced

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.