Search - Anthony Wonsey :: Blues for Hiroshi

Entertaining, Energetic Piano Trio

John Tapscott | Canada | 12/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Sharp Nine label must be commended for raising the profile of some rather unknown but very deserving artists. One thinks of pianists David Hazeltine and Tardo Hammer, for example. And now they are doing the same for the excellent young pianist Anthony Wonsey in his first release for a North American label.



At age 32 Wonsey has deeply studied and absorbed the modern jazz piano tradition. In his playing you hear Powell, a bit of Monk, Bill Evans, Mulgrew Miller, and the Herbie Hancock of the 1960's. Sometimes Wonsey reaches way back into the tradition and throws in a bit of stride, as on the beginning of "Nobody Else But Me." It is no criticism to observe that he is still working on melding all these influences into a truly personal voice.



But having said that, it must also be said that "Blues for Hiroshi" is a very enjoyable and entertaining 57 minutes of jazz piano. The opening track, based on "Darn that Dream" is typical of Wonsey's approach. He builds tension with a stop and go theme then launches into an uptempo series of choruses, punctuated by some strong left hand chords, and driven by the alternately crisp and splashing cymbal work of drummer Tony Reedus. "Waltz for Debby" and "Black Fairy Tales" embody the Evans influence, though Wonsey's style is much less introspective than Evans'. "Relaxin" and "Just in Time" are rooted in bebop, while a very modern harmonic approach to the blues in heard on the title tune. "Nobody Else" swings easily over Reedus' brushes. A high point of the CD is Wonsey's sensitive but strong and clear reading of Jimmy Rowles, "The Peacocks."



Wonsey loves to swing, no doubt about it, and he doesn't always swing lightly and politely. With Richie Goods and Tony Reedus in the bass and drum chairs you can count on the music being energetic and sometimes quite aggressive.



The CD is beautfully recorded and the Sharp Nine graphics and liner notes are up to their usual high standard. This release is well worth investigating by all who enjoy modern jazz piano."

A great album that creates the expectation of much more to c

Charles B. Poole | Rochester, NY | 03/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are now so many good young players with excellent training, that it's a travesty there are not enough venues where they can work six nights a week to hone their craft and develop tight ensembles -- not to mention maintaining homeostasis.



Mr. Wonsey has overcome that obstacle and achieved a polished level of performance that displays all his hard work and love of the music. His voicing is impecable and varies with his approach to each tune. His improvisation is both creative and lyrical. His sidemen are both standouts, and taken together the result is even better than the sum of the parts. This album includes a range of tunes that demonstrate Womsey's versatility with style and tempo. This trio swings!



Throughout the album you can hear changes and phrasing that respectfully echo many jazz predecessors who have undoubtably influenced Mr. Womsey. If that is a fault, start by criticizing C.P.E. Bach. Wonsey is the hear and now, and to my ear he has achieved the top rank.



A big thumbs up for this album!

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