Search - Johnny Wiggins :: Relax & Enjoy It

How can I relax when my toes keep tapping?

Matthew Watters | Vietnam | 04/26/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There's nothing any more relaxing about this record than there is about any number of 1950s-era piano trios, so the amusing cover really just betrays an uncertainty by Contemporary as to how to market this thoroughly lighthearted set by the little-known Wiggins. Gerry Wiggins staked out a career as an accompanist to singers and as a Hollywood vocal coach, but it's still nice to have this little reminder of his skills as a pianist. Working in a trio format, he comes across a bit like a wittier, more carefree version of Red Garland, rooted in swing era styles but certainly capable of interesting solo lines. One gets the sense that, had he chosen that path, Wiggins could have been a fine small-group pianist of the likes of Wynton Kelly or Kenny Drew. The programme here focuses on a bit of Ellingtonia, some Rodgers and Hart, and mostly tunes made familiar by singers, and Wiggins demonstrates a beautiful way around a melody and an unstoppable sense of swing. He's got a superb sense of dynamics and a fine way of adding a touch of humour or drama to a song, perhaps from all that time backing singers. I bought this album on the same day I bought Andre Previn's Pal Joey (see my review), and while Previn beats Wiggins in pure technique, Wiggins has it all over Previn in terms of jazz feeling. Relax and Enjoy It! may ultimately be trivial but it's nearly perfect in its unassuming way."