One Night At Chris’
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
Recorded live in March 2018 at the legendary Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, this 5th album from The Dave Wilson Quartet offers 4 originals and 6 covers, although under the skill of the 4 players here, the reworkings are all reinvented with strategic jazz sensibilities.
“Ocean Blues” gets the album off to an energetic start with crisp percussion, bright horns and a shuffling pace, and this carries over to the playful, romantic “Friend Of The Devil”, a Grateful Dead tune. Elsewhere, The Beatles’ “Norwegian Food (This Bird Has Flown)” brings the pace to a lounge setting, while Creed’s “My Own Prison” moves with a healthy rhythm that you won’t be able to sit still to.
The back half of the album brings us the soulful and frisky “Movin’ On”, the spirited rendition of “God Only Knows” (The Beach Boys), and the swift keys of the ultra jazzy “Untitled Modal Tune”. The album ends on “Spiral”, a lengthy tune that’s percussively upbeat and glides with a quick tempo and beautiful interplay between the instruments.
A flawless recording with no overdubs, second takes, or studio manipulation, this set captures jazz at its finest, and Wilson’s choice of rock covers only adds to the appeal of their addictive energy.
Travels well with: Joe Lovano- From The Soul; Stan Getz- Serenity