There are many labels out there that specialize in “historical” and reissues, but none come close to the consistency and dedication to obscurity than Spain’s Fresh Sound Records. This two disc, 37 song collection is a case in point, bringing back to light a little known collection of bands that featured future Soprano Summit leader Bob Wilber, student of Sidney Bechet, and looking for ways to break free from that long shadow.
What Wilbur did was eschew the soprano sax, and focus on the tenor sax and clarinet as he took part in The Six, which also included Johnny Glasel/tp, Sonny Truitt-Porky Cohen/tb, Tommy Goodman-Bob Hammer/p, Bob Peterson-Bill Brito and Eddie Phyfe/dr for a collection of sessions from 1954-56. Wibur’s tenor is smooth and bold with his clarinet possessing a vibrato as wide as Dan Duryea’s lapels on a desultory “St. James Infirmary” and a festive “Riverboat Shuffle”. Glasel’s horn is Armstrong confident on “Little Girl Blue” and the rhythm section joyfully two steps to “Phweedah” while stepping out for the rich reeds on an elegiac “Over The Rainbow”.
Wilbur focuses on the soprano sax, and sounds remarkably like his mentor on a bel canto “Weary Blues” peppy “China Boy”. Wilber’s Wildcats include the reliable Dick Wellstood striding well on piano as Wilber plays both soprano sax and clarinet for the band, shuffling on “Willie The Weeper” and stomping out “Salty Dog”. The liner notes and session listings are invaluable, and the music displays a deeper side of Wilbur, playing a tenor that one wishes he had explored more deeply. Check this one out.