Customer Reviews

Shaw 'Nuff

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I first heard a Steve Wilkerson recording in the early 1980's Called "Powerhouse One." This old Skyline LP and a few that followed, was to me sort of a reward for a life spent listening to jazz music.
It seems when persons reviewing jazz recordings always compare the musician under scrutiny to an earlier generation. Frankie Trumbauer spawned Lester Young. So it follows that Getz was a disciple of Young and so it goes. It's almost as though the musicians being reviewed were slaves to past and not responsible for the way they sound. Wilkerson is an overwhelming instrumentalist. Not just on Bari-sax but also on alto, tenor, clarinet and flute. So where does this ability come from? It sounds to me as if it comes from God , years of "wood shedding" and dedication to jazz. No one gains the all round respect on so many instruments easily. I know these instruments are of the same family and more natural than say, clarinet and trumpet. The difference is Wilkerson performs on each as though it were his primary horn and not a "double."
In this album "Shaw Nuff" Steve has produced an overwhelming ride on baritone sax through 9 jazz classics. The charts are as you would expect from an artist such as this and are performed by a small band about the size of the Marty Paich groups. He handles the baritone like it was a toy. He has the technique to play solo's on anything he can hear in his head. Talk about style! Of course you may hear a little Mulligan but only because you've heard more Mulligan than Wilkerson. And how many sax players chose the Baritone as a featured instrument. Compared to the other saxes, not many. The tune selection on the CD is good, The charts, mostly by Sandy Megas, are well performed by the band, The recording quality is outstanding. My favorite tracks are "If You Could See Me Now" and "Shaw Nuff." All the soloists are on target. This album demands repeated listening to savor each tasty morsel. Five Stars!!!

Wilkerson gives the baritone sax the same smooth voice one would expect from a masterfully played tenor. Combine this with his blistering technique and endless flow of ideas, and you have a recording worthy of one of the finest reedmen around. The Shaw 'Nuff ensemble breathes fire into Sandy Megas's arrangements of these jazz favorites. A must-have for any fan of the "big pipe."

This Cd is a complete surprise and joy! No one in the world has these kind of chops on bari sax! The arrangements are killer and Wilkerson's improvisational skills are second to none- like Charlie Parker- only on baritone sax! Wonderful!

Multi-woodwind player Wilkerson is on baritone sax for the entire album, successfully demonstrating his command of the full range of the big horn's personality. He establishes its forceful presence on the opening track, an uplifting tune called "Upswing." We also hear the warm, breathy sound of the bari on "If You Could See Me Now," "Etienne," and "What's New?" The title track shows us how comfortably the bari fits into the fast-paced environment of bebop - at least in the hands of a player as skilled as Wilkerson. The closer is Sonny Rollins' "Tenor Madness" where Wilkerson opens things up for solos from the rest of the group. In short, every one of the nine tracks on this 1998 album is a winner.
As for the group, they set the stage with skilled backing that has a little-big-band feel produced by trumpet, trombone, four saxes, piano, bass, and drums. Nice arrangements, all by Sandy Megas except for one by Marty Paich. The liner notes are provided by the legendary arranger Pete Rugolo, who was at the recording sessions.
I met Wilkerson in 1975 when I was a college student attending a Stan Kenton jazz workshop, and he was Kenton's lead alto saxophonist. He impressed us all as a soloist, but as an instructor as well, able to do a rapid-fire demonstration of different saxophone sounds and styles, all on alto and seemingly without effort. This CD gives us Wilkerson at his full maturity, prompting listeners to look for albums featuring his work on the other saxes, clarinet, and flute. Unfortunately, there aren't enough of them out there.

Steve Wikerson,stands up tomany hours of listeing,the craft and the pure beauty of harmony by arranger Sandy Megas,has a way of making you feel alive,filled with vibrant,evocative tunes and harmony...the rich detail,fantastic energy andtiming is exquiste....the alto and tenor saxophne...what can I say! THIS BAND IS BLESS WITH A TRUE KNOWLEDGE OF JAZZ!