Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts

"It is only through players like these, who can simultaneously be serious and have fun, that the music will continue to grow, remain alive and thrive into its second century."
-Patrick Hinely CODA

Personnel
Terell Stafford- trumpet, flugelhorn
Gary Versace - piano, organ, accordion
Martin Wind - bass
Matt Wilson - drums

I assembled this stellar cast to play on a record project I was doing for Palmetto Records. I wanted to do something with a different instrumentation than the Matt Wilson Quartet. I also wanted to have the opportunity to records tunes I had stored in my "want to record someday" file. The date also challenged me to compose pieces that stretched the "classic" jazz quartet instrumentation.

I knew that I wanted Dennis Irwin on the bass. His sound and feel is a drummer's dream. This is evident in his highly regarded performances with Art Blakey and Mel Lewis. I had only played with trumpeter Terell Stafford once prior to the recording. It was so easy to play music with him. The experience convinced me that his not only his musicianship, but his presence, provides a spiritual uplifting to any band in which he is involved. Larry Goldings played organ on my debut recording As Wave Follows Wave but is an exceptional pianist. I believe he is simply one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He passionately communicates through music at so many levels.

I was not surprised when the results were remarkable. A short rehearsal and a 5 1/2 record date produced music that was fresh, spirited and full of life. It flowed without effort. All that and a mere 36 hours earlier my wife and I learned we were having triplets!

In February 2002 we did a fun-filled ten-day Midwest US tour. The music was extraordinary and we have a great time traveling together. The gentlemen are all also knowledgeable, caring and humorous teachers and I gained so much from being around them.