Martin Wind, (Challenge). The versatile bassist brings together multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson, 
pianist Bill Cunliffe and drummer Greg Hutchinson to play compositions by Wind, Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington. Wind’s complex “Mr. Friesen,” a tribute to cellist Eugene Friesen, could give this talented composer an entry in the jazz standards book. Of his arsenal of instruments, Robinson confines himself to tenor sax, bass clarinet and echo cornet. His tenor work suggests that he should be placing in poll categories other than those for unusual instruments. Cunliffe’s solos show why he is in demand on both coasts. Wind’s bass lines, as usual, are perfection.
CD: Martin Wind
July 10, 2008 by
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
Per usual, one of your picks is an unexpected treat for me. I’ve heard Martin Wind play with Bill Mays and Matt Wilson so I knew he’d be solid. Bill Cunliffe and Greg Hutchinson are strong collaborators but it’s the excellent Scott Robinson that just knocks me flat. No cliches, just constant invention, and flashes of his wicked sense of humor.