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Matt Wilson Quartet: Humidity
Jimmy McHugh’s “Don’t Blame Me” features alto and tenor circling to a slow ballad interpretation with brushes laying down a smooth backdrop. Tadd Dameron’s “Our Delight” forges straight-ahead in a Charlie Parker mood. The absence of piano here does open up the performance and, quite noticeably, leaves considerable open space. While the arrangement is unique, it fails to close the voices sufficiently. Far apart, the quartet’s voices appear to be rambling.
Wilson has titled his compositions with honest impressions. “Code Yellow” looks at our post-September-11th state of being. “Wall Shadows” dances mysteriously along darkened hallways, while “Raga” invites Asian cultural ties.
“Humidity” stands apart with its large number of percussion textures and electric bass pulses alongside avant-garde trumpet, trombone and violin. The band takes a clear stand. Their voices rain together and melt slowly into one big pot.
Humidity connects two poles of jazz. Wilson’s “Thank You Billy Higgins” emphasizes straight-ahead class, while the title track goes for the spirit of Lester Bowie. The album crosses bridges that need to be crossed more often.
Track Listing
Thank You Billy Higgins; Swimming In The Trees; Cooperation; Free Willy; Wall Shadows; Raga; Code Yellow; Humidity; Don't Blame Me; Our Delight; All My Children; Beginning Of A Memory. (Total Time 55:03).
Personnel
Matt Wilson
drumsAndrew D
Album information
Title: Humidity | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Palmetto Records
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