SeeDees!

these are matt’s compact disc offerings all of which are on the very hip palmetto record label. many times people inquire on which is matt’s favorite disc. who cares? we want to know which one is your favorite. what is the first step in this important decision? you must own all of them and give them a thorough listening. it is also a very nice gesture to buy them for your friends and family and let them ponder this important decision. be an active and vital link in the musical foodchain! order today!! go to www.palmetto-records.com (where you can also hear soundclips) or call 1 800.PALMCDS. operators are standing by!

“AS A BODY OF WORK, WILSON’S PALMETTO DISCS ARE AMONG THE MOST EXCITING IN RECENT JAZZ; CONSCIOUS OF HISTORY, EXPLORATORY, FUNNY AND MOURNFUL BY TURNS, THEY KEEP THE LISTENER GUESSING AND, BETTER STILL, THIRSTY FOR MORE.”

The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings Ninth Edition

PEOPLE HAVE ASKED FOR A SAMPLE! (well here it is! ) A SONIC SAMPLE, THAT IS, OF THE NEW MWQ CD COMING OUT THIS SUMMER 2009!
click here and dig the dudes in action!!

That’s Going to Leave a Mark

Drummer and composer Matt Wilson describes his eighth record as a leader on Palmetto Records, That’s Gonna Leave a Mark, in terms of honesty and family. The first album by Wilson’s Quartet since 2003’s Humidity, Wilson views it as “getting a chance to have this great band record again!” Alongside Wilson, alto saxophonist D’Angelo, tenor saxophonist Jeff Lederer and bassist Chris Lightcap are all in fine form. All the members of the Quartet have played together since the late 1990s, though this marks Lightcap’s first recorded appearance with the group.

The intimate bond between all the musicians is palpable on the album. Recorded by Matt Balitsaris at Maggie’s Farm, with the band all in the same room, That’s Gonna Leave a Mark has a live and energetic sound. The air moving between instrument and microphone, and the sensation of musicians playing into the room and to each other, gives the tunes added momentum. “I think it really captures us as close to being live as you can be. You really get to smell, taste and see the sound that way. You feel it coming in your ears from the instrument, rather than the little speakers on your ears. I think it really helps with the dimensions of the sound, how people can react to the sound other than just through their ears. Like on a gig, you experience it totally differently. The decision to do that was really great and I’m so glad we did it.” Many of the tunes are first or second take, with no edits. Shouts of encouragement and enjoyment are audible throughout the record – almost as though the listener were a guest on the control room couch of Maggie’s Farm.

The Scenic Route

“A band like this allows the music to go places and courageously goes along for the ride. While the destinations are of importance, how we get there is often what’s most rewarding. Smooth roads, bumpy roads, beautiful landscapes, weird detours and nice surprises all combine here for THE SCENIC ROUTE. We hope you enjoy the journey!” Matt comments about the recording.

Matt contributes four unique tunes including “The Scenic Route,” “25 Years of Rootabagas,” “Feel the Sway,” and “In Touch with Dewey.”

Also included are Ornette Coleman’s “Rejoicing,” Bobby Hutcherson’s “Little B’s Poem,” Pat Metheny’s “The Bat,” Thelonious Monk’s “We See,” Donald Ayler’s “Our Prayer” which is blended with John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” and a swinging version of “Tenderly.”

This recording is dedicated to the memory of saxophonist Dewey Redman
(May 17, 1931 – September 2, 2006)

Wake Up! (To What’s Happening)

Wilson’s CD, Wake Up! (to what’s happening) is a return to his other creative ensemble, his Arts & Crafts band, which was last featured on their self-titled 2001 CD for Palmetto Records. That recording made many Best of 2001 lists, and this one likely will achieve the same distinction in 2004.

The band consists of Larry Goldings, piano & organ (a fellow Palmetto recording artist); Terell Stafford, trumpet; Dennis Irwin, bass & clarinet; and Wilson on drums.

Wake Up! marks Wilson’s 6th release for Palmetto.

Humidity

Humidity is Wilson’s 5th recording on the Palmetto Label. Humidity marks a return for Wilson to The Matt Wilson Quartet, his most well-known quartet formation of two saxophones, bass and drums. The Matt Wilson Quartet (MWQ) is comprised of Andrew D’Angelo, alto saxophone & bass clarinet; Jeff Lederer; tenor & soprano saxophone & clarinet; and Yosuke Inoue, acoustic & electric bass.

Wilson started the Quartet in 1996 with the dream of forming a united, working band that could think and play in sync. And so they do as evidenced once again on Humidity.

Arts and Crafts

“Arts and Crafts” is Matt Wilson’s 4th CD on Palmetto Records and the birth of his “Arts and Crafts” group.

This CD features Terell Stafford on trumpet, Larry Goldings on piano and Dennis Irwin on bass.

“Previous efforts with the Matt Wilson Quartet and with Dewey Redman have gained Wilson a left-of-center reputation, but on Arts and Crafts the drummer confounds expectations altogether.” - David Adler, All Music Guide

Smile

Matt’s 3rd CD on Palmetto Records features Andrew D’Angelo on alto sax and bass clarinet, Joel Frahm on tenor and soprano saxes and Yosuke Inoue on electric bass.

This CD includes originals by both Wilson and D’Angelo along with Monk and Coltrane.

“...chock full of music that should bring happiness to even the most sour and dour avant mavens.” - Michael Nastos, All Music Guide

“In the hands of lesser men, this type of cheeky humor might prove annoying, but Wilson and crew display a vibrancy that never comes off as self-serving. This band is for real.” - Amazon.com

Going Once, Going Twice

“Going Once, Going Twice” marks the debut of The Matt Wilson Quartet.” This record features Andrew D’Angelo on alto sax and bass clarinet, Joel Frahm on tenor and soprano saxes and Yosuke Inoue on electric bass. Alto saxophonist Lee Konitz makes a guest appearance as well as Pete McCann and a very special appearance by guest auctioneer Ned Sublette.

Comprised mostly of originals the record also includes Pete Seeger’s, “Turn, Turn, Turn.”

Released in 1998.

As Wave Follows Wave

Drummer Matt Wilson is one of the most inventive percussionists of the modern era. His eclectic way with the standard drum kit, as well as various percussion instruments and “found” sounds, is a marvel to behold. AS WAVE FOLLOW WAVE, Wilson’s first session as a leader, finds him in the company of three other unique musicians. Dewey Redman (saxophone) and Cecil McBee (bass) have both employed Wilson previously, and organist Larry Goldings shares Wilson’s youthful drive and exploratory qualities.

“This consistently surprising session is a gem that serves as a perfect introduction to the playing of Dewey Redman and the inventiveness of Matt Wilson.” - Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

“It’s a first album by a promising artist who not only seems to have been diligent in preparation, but also succeeded gratifyingly in execution.” - All About Jazz