When a jazz band really know and trust each other, there can be something very special indeed about catching them in a live environment. Recorded in March 2018 at the famous Chris’ Jazz Café in Philadelphia, it is proudly stated on the CD, “This recording is a document of one evening of music, recorded live with no overdubs, no second takes, and with all of the nuances, surprises and magic known as jazz”. Dave Wilson (tenor and soprano saxophones) was joined on this night by Kirk Reese (piano), Tony Marino (acoustic bass) and Dan Monaghan (drums). As with most releases of this type, it includes both original numbers and covers, but what is somewhat surprising is how Wilson moved into the pop and rock arenas instead of the normal jazz icons.

So, after the original of “Ocean Blues” we are taken into the world of Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil”. There aren’t many who have dared to take on the Dead and provide something new (stand up Tesla and take a bow), yet here Wilson turns this into a jazz classic. While Reese and Wilson bounce off each other, the rhythm section is incredibly hard at work, but it must be said the result is somewhat spoiled as after a great beginning it is faded out at the end. I can only guess something went wrong, or it dragged on too long, but why be so proud of saying the recording is warts ‘n’ all if it isn’t all there? “Norwegian Wood” is rather more basic, as is their take on Creed’s “My Own Prison”. There are flashes of brilliance throughout the set, and all the guys are incredible musicians and know how to bounce off each other, but while this would be a great band to go and see as part of a night out, whether this is an album to which I will be returning to is another matter altogether.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://davewilsonmusic.org/