Legendary in the Bay Area for her irreverent sense of humor as well as her mix of numerous jazz-related styles -- Monk, Chopin, Piazzola, Waller, Bach, Bill Evans -- pianist Gini Wilson (aka "The Duchess") founded this current ensemble with reedsman Steve Heckman in 2002. Effortlessly and beautifully blending the realms of jazz and classical (the eight-minute opener "Un Amor un Poco Tragico" eases effortlessly from a classical hypnosis to a playful swing vibe), the group features bassist Pat Klobas and drummer Ron Marabuto. Their previous CD, The Crossing Point, created a unique hybrid incorporating everything from Wayne Shorter and Erik Satie to world music and Nuevo Tango. Anchored by Wilson's deft playing and quick-shifting moodswings, SFCJQ continues this exploration with the help of guest vocalist Jackie Ryan (graceful and romantic on "Separate Ways," swinging wittily on "Lucky Monkey") and a centerpiece contribution from Cape Verde Islands composer Amandio Cabral ("Suave Duqueza," very much a biography of Wilson both literally and musically). Wilson's tunes dominate among the originals, but Heckman's playful, strutting "O Town Blues" is good old- fashioned bebop away from the classical tone completely. Projects like this prove that with a little ingenuity, seemingly disparate musical styles can actually create perfect harmony.
SF.CJQ
The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet
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SF.CJQ Review
by Jonathan Widran
Track Listing
Sample | Title/Composer | Performer | Time | Stream | |||
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1 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 08:23 | Amazon | ||||
2 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 04:37 | Amazon | ||||
3 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 04:51 | Amazon | ||||
4 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 04:32 | Amazon | ||||
5 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 03:30 | Amazon | ||||
6 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 07:09 | Amazon | ||||
7 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 04:38 | Amazon | ||||
8 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 00:47 | Amazon | ||||
9 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 08:04 | Amazon | ||||
10 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 06:13 | Amazon | ||||
11 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 04:36 | Amazon | ||||
12 | The San Francisco Chamberjazz Quartet feat: Gini Wilson | 02:22 | Amazon |