Drummer
Matt Wilson refuses to be pigeonholed into any one category on this wide-ranging CD. With keyboardist
Larry Goldings, bassist
Dennis Irwin and trumpeter
Terell Stafford (who doubles on flugelhorn),
Wilson and company obviously enjoyed themselves in the studio.
Goldings' quirky post-bop "Sticky Mack" inspires some of the best solos of the date, followed by
Wilson's slightly funky "Free Range Chicken." The group also delves into works by departed greats, including
Jaki Byard's infrequently heard ballad "Aluminum Baby" and drummer
Tony Williams' unusual hymn-like "There Comes a Time," with
Goldings' driving organ,
Stafford's saucy trumpet, and guest
Curtis Stigers' potent vocals.
Charlie Haden's "Silence" features
Wilson's crisp brush-work, with
Goldings' dirge-like organ and
Stafford's haunting solo. The best drum feature is easily the playful arrangement of "Cuban Carnival Song," in which
Irwin switches to clarinet and
Stafford offers a spirited solo, though the leader easily steals the show with his lively percussion. A loping treatment of the standard "We'll Be Together Again" has a playful call-and-response between
Stafford and
Goldings, with the pianist playfully detouring into "Take the 'A' Train" and hinting at other a few other songs. This is yet another very impressive date as a leader by
Matt Wilson.