The Scenic Route Personnel: Matt Wilson: drums, percussion, vocals; Terrell Stafford: trumpet, flugelhorn; Gary Versace: piano, organ, accordion; Dennis Irwin: double bass, clarinet; Karlie Bruce, Ayana Del Valle, Elizabeth Dotson-Westphalen: vocals. Tracks: The Scenic Route; We See; 25 Years of Rootabagas; Feel the Sway; Rejoicing; The Bat; In Touch with Dewey; Little B’s Poem; Tenderly; Our Prayer/Give Peace a Chance.

Matt Wilson's Arts and Crafts

The Scenic Route

Matt Wilson has released a wonderful new disc on Palmetto Records, entitled Arts and Crafts, The Scenic Route. If you’re not familiar with Matt Wilson’s work, Matt is a superlative drummer from NYC who is recognized as one of the most creative drummers of his generation. He maintains a high profile in the international jazz scene as a recording artist, bandleader, composer, producer, in-demand sideman and educator. He has recently performed or recorded with a wide array of artists including Dewey Redman, Ray Anderson, Bill Mays, Janis Siegal, Cecil McBee, Leni Stern, Fred Hersch, Michael Brecker, Steve Slagle, Dave Tronzo, Dave Liebman, David Johansen, Ravi Coltrane, Mark Taylor, Sheila Jordan, Lee Konitz, Rufus Reid, Ted Rosenthal, Mario Pavone, Joanne Brackeen and many others that probably should be listed.

This disc is a collection of music that grows on the listener. There are great performances by everyone in the quartet. You’ll also hear many twists and turns to many of the performances on this disc. Although many of the tunes start from a premise of swing, Wilson allows his group to play with flow and spontaneity. For example, on the very first tune, The Scenic Route, the core of the tune is an upbeat groove in which Stafford and Versace play interesting improvisations, and is supported by a listening and groovin’ rhythm section. When the tune comes to a near end, Versace takes an avant-garde statement in which the whole band immediately listens to and picks up on. It’s very creative and gives a new meaning to a scenic journey!

In fact, though Wilson picks several avant-garde titles, Rejoicing, by Ornette Coleman, The Bat, by Dewey Redman, Our Prayer, by Albert Ayler’s brother, Donald Ayler, but the album has a modern-straight ahead feel with Terrell Stafford out-front. The music swings, and is full of blue’s expression. It’s a fresh take on the modern trend of playing music, where harmony is more open and spacious, allowing musicians to take whatever scenic route they choose with the music.

Stafford plays some gems on this recording. His tone is lovely and warm on The Bat and Tenderly. His improvisations are lyrical and flowing. He then shows a traditional side with great plunger work on The Scenic Route. It is funky and truly soulful. His Harmon is nice too on Little B’s Poem and Feel the Sway. What I love about his performance on this disc, is his playing is so strongly routed in the tradition, and his rhythmic feel adapts so well to the different 3rd stream influences of Matt Wilson’s group. You’ll hear a natural evolution to a truly developed musician. It’s refreshing in this day and age!!

Versace is another terrific voice and addition to this band. He is a creative soul who displays a maturity of the jazz language on this and many of the other recordings I’ve heard him play. Wilson was wise to use his many talents on the different keyboard instruments. For example, check out his accordion playing on Our Prayer/Give Peace a Chance. This is truly hip, and Versace’s touch adds a soulful effect that Ayler and the late John Lennon would have embraced I’m sure! What is also cool on this take is Dennis Irwin’s Bass Clarinet playing. A touch of Dolphy comes shining through with a lyrical and tasteful delivery!!

What I really appreciate about Matt Wilson’s music is the commitment to spontaneity, creativity and tasteful swingin’ renditions of classic repertoire. I recommend this disc without hesitation, and I believe you’ll love the music presented on this most recent compilation of Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts!!

For more information about Mat Wilson’s music, please visit: www.mattwilsonjazz.com