Saxist supreme Steve Wilson leads an all star quartet along with Orrin Evans/p, Ugonna Okegwo/b and Bill Stewart through a torrid night recorded last year at the Village Vanguard. Everyone gets a chance to show their muscle here on the mix of covers and originals. Thelonious Monk gets extra space as Wilson uses his alto to lead the band through a thrilling modal take of “Well, You Needn’t” as well as a tribute to the bop master on the angular “Sphersophically” which allows Evans to give the rhythm team a workout. Stewart flexes his biceps on the assertive “Spot It You Got It” with Wilson’s soprano and shifts into overdrive on a Giant Steppy E Ticket on “Patterns.” Okegwo gets some space on “Perry Street” while Evans gets a healthy share of the focus, particularly on the glowing “If I Were A Wind of Spring.” Enthusiastic, extroverted and exciting; this is how jazz is supposed to sound post hard bop!
Random Act Records