Welcome to the blog of Dennis J. Woodyard - Journeyman Artist, and Dragonfly Entertainment. Former TV animation producer/director, storyboard artist, character designer, writer, concept artist, Flip book designer, and other professional credits.
This Sunday Music Muse Day finds us enjoying a set of perfect fall weather days, slightly cool in the shade, warm in the sun. When not outside enjoying the weather, I'm inside enjoying these two selections, slightly the beaten path for me. First up is Anthony Wilson self-title debut albumAnthony Wilson (1997) — featured a nine-piece “little big band” and received a Grammy nomination for Best Large Ensemble Jazz Recording. He is son of legendary jazz trumpeter and bandleader Gerald Wilson and it's obvious talent doesn't fall far from the family tree. This is a fully realize effort and worth checking out. (One odd note: It did play correctly on my old 1980's CD player, sound scratchy. But it play fine in my Playstation 3, it could have a manufacturing defect, but I'm blaming my old CD player)
My next selection id Patrica Barber Nightclub, which again, I not usually into vocal jazz as much as guitar-centric instrumental, but I like her laid back smokey jazz club style. She can be slightly pretentious, and cerebral in seductive way. This is exclusively a eclectic selection of jazz standards and movie themes. The several of her sideman caught by eye including Charlie Hunter on 8-string guitar, Marc Johnson on bass (made Bass Desires with John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Peter Erskine), and Adam Nussbaum on drums (noted sideman with John Scofield, and the late John Abercrombie groups) When I'm in the mood Patrica Barber can satisfy my desire for some off beat jazz vocal music. Also, worth a listen.
I hope our nice fall weather continues, but if not there are always good to enjoy.
This Sunday Music Muse Day finds us in the Memorial Day weekend. A time to remember and reflect on the fallen who give their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms and rights they believed in. This week I have two young guitarists who are in the up and coming stage in their careers. In looking up their backgrounds I found they came together for a special project, more later. First up is Julian Lage Love Hurts, his latest release which get 4 out of 5 star review in All About Jazz website. In this CD I hear a echoes of Larry Coryell in his playing. That is not a bad thing.
Next is Anthony Wilson Adult Themes. This young jazz guitarist, composer and arranger is the son Gerald Wilson, the famous bandleader. Anthony Wilson has earn much praise in his own right. His first self-named album earned a Grammy Nomination. All Music reviewer Alex Henderson give Adult Themes 3 out of 5 stars, saying, "this CD is noteworthy not only because of Wilson's Wes Montgomery-influenced guitar playing, but also because of his arranging and composing". He adds, "Adult Themes innovative, but this enjoyable date is certainly neither generic nor predictable. I agree with this last statement totally. I'll have to seek out his other 9 releases.
In researching their background I discovered Julian Lage and Anthony Wilson are part of a guitar quartet project inspired by a custom guitar builder John Monteleone. He commissioned Los Angeles-based composer Anthony Wilson to create an original song cycle that would showcase the instruments he build together. Here's a youtube clip of the Seasons Quartet.
