Bert Wilson: alto and tenor saxophones
Nancy Curtis: flute
Allen Youngblood: piano
Chuck Metcalf: bass
Bob Meyer: drums
The cover of this CD eloquently describes itself as "modern music in the jazz tradition." This couldn't be truer of the music that Bert Wilson and Rebirth create. This collective is most certainly steeped in the tradition of jazz and definately sound like a jazz quintet, but the elements that make this modern music are mainly attributable to the advanced nature of the soloing by the artists here, specifically Bert Wilson.
I have been fortunate to have spent time with Bert talking about his technique and his discoveries, especially in the area of multiphonics. He is one of the most formidable pioneers in this area and uses the technique splendly throughout his work. As a solist, Wilson can wear many hats. Sometimes hinting at the stridently vertical stylings of Eric Dolphy, sometimes pensive and intense like Coltrane. These comparisons are only impressions one can glean from Bert Wilson's playing. Rest assured that he does not sound like Coltrane or Dolphy... he sounds like himself.
This particular date was recorded live at the Washington Park Zoo in Portland, Oregon in August of 1988. The recording quality is excellent and certainly does the music justice, which can be a difficult task in a live recording situation. The players here are all seasoned veterans of the Northwest creative music scene and there are some tasty surprises in store for listeners unfamiliar with some of the names on this album. Most of the cuts on this CD are originals, although some "snipits" of standard quotations come skillfully out of the woodwork.
Saxophonists will marvel at the treatment Wilson gives the tunes on this CD. Particular highlights include some phenominal solo passages on tracks 2 and 6. Notice the way he splits octaves by "landing" on the low C#, B and Bb's while stimulating the octave partial. He is a master of blending advanced saxophone techniques into a solo so that they do not sound contrived or forced. His extended technique is the envy of most "new jazz" players. This recording is an excellent introduction to Bert's playing, although you will most likely be searching for more soon after.
This is CD is available from 9 Winds records, PO Box 10082, Beverly Hills, CA 90213
Jason DuMars