Adult Themes

Anthony Wilson

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 14, 1999)
• Original Release Date: September 14, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mama Records
• ASIN: B00000K0TY
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #73,137 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

If Anthony Wilson were simply another new jazz guitar hotshot with chops to burn, he'd still be worth noticing. Wilson's third disc as a leader, Adult Themes, sprinkles plenty of his deliciously melodic and Wes Montgomery and Django Reinhardt-infused soloing all over the disc's eight tracks. But Wilson's formidable guitar playing isn't even half of what makes Adult Themes so remarkable. Rather, it's the way his composing and arranging takes such full advantage of his nine-piece group that it's hard at times to believe this isn't an actual big band making these sounds. Anyone who noticed the sophistication of Wilson's previous efforts, his self-titled 1997 debut and 1998's Goat Hill Junket, may not be overly surprised, but what lifts Adult Themes above those albums is an increased diversity, as John Carisi's "Barry's Tune" settles into a deep Afro-Cuban groove and a version of the Beatles' "Because" even features an electric sitar. But it's the album's closing title piece, a five-part suite that recalls Charles Mingus's ambitious extended works, that is Wilson's crowning moment. Combining unaccompanied guitar, luscious horn orchestrations, and dizzying swing, the piece has a unified mood and should put to rest any speculation about Wilson being someone to watch for in the future: after Adult Themes, he's clearly already here. --Ezra Gale

From Jazziz

Perhaps it's genetic: Guitarist Anthony Wilson, like his father, trumpeter/bandleader Gerald, is an avowed believer in the majesty of large ensembles and big bands. And from the opening moments of "Adult Themes," 31-year-old Wilson's third recording, his alliance with jazz's old school is apparent.

The album's first notes are sounded by Wilson's warm, Montgomery-toned guitar line, which, in turn, is punctuated by a Third Stream-informed, five-voice horn burst. And throughout the CD, Wilson combines traditional precepts and references with his imprimatur as composer, arranger, and guitarist.

Indeed, Wilson is an undeniable triple threat, but it's "Adult Themes'" stunning brass voices and compositions that leave the longest-lasting impression. Like Oliver Nelson - whose mix of blues structure and neo-classical brass sonorities is an undeniable influence here - Wilson's brilliance as an arranger overshadows his bluesy, lithely swinging elegance and economy on guitar.

Throughout, Wilson deconstructs and augments his band. He adds a sultry organ to his cover of Donald Fagen's "Maxine" and to his own swinging blues vehicle "Idle Blues." Then he pares things down to a whisper with various combinations, from instrumental soliloquies to duets, before opening up the nonet, full bore, with iridescent horn blasts, each voice quavering together in a gorgeous big-band vibrato. An ambitious and successful interpretation of the Beatles' "Because" finds Wilson playing the song's eerie arpeggios with an electric sitar as trombone mimics the song's early usage of Moog synthesizer while also adding a growling New Orleans flavor. On the album's title track, a five-part suite, Wilson further demonstrates the enormity of his scope, referencing Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers on "Unfinished Business"; and evocative, Metheny-esque broken-chord textures on "Lullaby"; and coalescing with a spirited Crescent City fervor on "Integration."

Like father, like son, "Adult Themes" proves Wilson one of the most compelling jazz thinkers to come along in ages.

--- Mike Bieber, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Jazz Album of the Year!, January 15, 2000

By A Customer

I am not exaggerating. Anthony Wilson (son of Gerald) is the best jazz composer/arranger to come on the scene in years. In Adult Themes, he has put together an absolutely gorgeous album, with top notch musicians (including Pete Christlieb), melodies and arrangements. While innovative in his own right, Wilson seems very influenced by Charles Mingus in his compositions and arrangements, and by Pat Metheny in his (very nuanced) guitar work. If you are a fan of those two giants, chances are that you will greatly enjoy this album. The five-part title piece alone is worth more than the price of admission.