20 Percent Discount Download Available for Prairie Audio Man Cave Readers through October 31, 2018 Text and Photos Juan C. Ayllon Anthony Wilson Trio. Savivity. Groove Note Records. NativeDSD.com. October 18, 2005. Available in DSD 64, 128 and 256, as well as biaural, stereo and multi-channel. I know that Anthony Wilson was Diana Krall’s longstanding, pedigreed guitarist, but from the first luscious licks on his hollow body guitar in the bluesy, perky mid-tempo “Fleur d’Ennui,” I sit amazed. Mark Ferber’s ride cymbals join in, and Joe Bagg’s Hammond B-3 comps, laying down a wondrous backdrop to Wilson’s virtuosic lead, then several measures later, serves up a sassy, solo with equal aplomb. The two engage in an intoxicating dialog rounded out by Ferber’s toms, ride and crash cymbals, making this a thoroughly satisfying and savory sonic appetizer that could easily be a meal, but tantalizes about what lies ahead in the rest of their album, Savivity. They don’t disappoint. While the bluesy “Fleur d’Ennui” eases us in, the Bebop “All the Things that You Are” takes us into the deep end, showcasing Wilson’s and Bagg’s scintillating chops, as well as Ferber’s outstanding drum soloing skills. I find myself transported to The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, reaching for one of my friend Joe’s Marlboros. It’s that good. Calming things down, “The Other Shore” shows a softer side, with a mournful, tender Anthony lead with Ferber employing the brushes on cymbals and snare and Baggs laying down lovely, minimalist pads and comps via his B-3. It’s all at once smooth, sophisticated, articulate and soothing. Up next, “Jackson” starts off like a grown up jazz lullaby with Wilson’s buttery tones, but Ferber gently rouses us the tempo to a brisk, toe tapping walk with high hat, ride cymbals and snare, as WIlson and Baggs trade more vibrant solos. “You’re the Top” starts off mid-tempo, then builds as Wilson and Baggs trade leads and comp duties behind Ferber’s lilting brushed cymbals, snares and toms. Ferber’s Hammond B-3 is bold, luxuriant and a high point in this tasty piece. But just as you think it’s maxed out, Wilson follows with a brilliant and buttery solo, reminding us who’s boss. The title song, “Savivity” is tender and reflective -- almost Pat Metheny-like in its mournful, explorative and increasingly note-filled passages. Sliding into lead, Baggs counters with a complex, meandering, thoughtful flourish, and then it’s Wilson taking us down a winding narrative with the Baggman comping and Ferber keeping time and framing the mix with room filling cymbals, snare and toms. It’s more abstract, but tasty. His organ hushed and reverent, Baggs ushers us into worship mode with the downtempo “A Child is Born." Wilson joins in, his guitar preaching soft and slow with a tender, clear and articulate voice. Baggs pads and comps, while Ferber brushes cymbals and snare. If there’s any doubt, this song clears things up. “Savivity” shows us why this son of acclaimed “West Coast Jazz” band leader, Gerald Wilson, has been Diana Krall’s guitar man and featured artist on albums by Diane Shuur, Mose Allison, as well as well a Sir Paul McCartney’s “Kisses on the Bottom” and a widely sought sessions man. (Saunders) Baggs steps in with a gorgeous and masterful solo to Wilson’s comps and Ferber on brushes. Bringing it home, Wilson conjures a little George Benson and Wes Montgomery before Baggs’ Hammond B-3 closes just as he started in hushed, reverential tones. 20 Percent Download Discount Available for Man Cave Readers Rendered over a resolving and well-balanced system, the Native DSD128 download plays clear, detailed articulate and very lifelike. I consider this a delightful and relaxing reference recording of the finest that brings out the best in ones high fidelity system. It is available for download in various formats and through October 31, 2018, is available for readers at 20 percent off using the promotional code, MANCAVE , at this link. Additionally, a free 50 minute long Native DSD sampler download is available here. Associated Software and Equipment
Work Cited Saunders, Brian K. “Anthony Wilson: A Conversation in Two Parts (Part I).” Fretboard Journal. May 2016. Web. 22 September 2018.
3 Comments
Oscar Johnson
9/23/2018 06:38:08 am
Hello Juan,
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9/24/2018 09:11:09 am
Hi Oscar,
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Oscar Johnson
9/24/2018 09:37:42 am
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