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Sarah Wilson: Kaleidoscope

By Jerome Wilson
October 7, 2021
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Trumpeter

Sarah Wilson

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Sarah Wilson has had several unique experiences throughout the development of her musical career, such as writing music for dance productions and puppet shows. That is reflected in the wide range displayed on this aptly-titled CD which draws as much from folk music, classical music, African pop and indie rock as it does from jazz.

Wilson has a top flight group of collaborators here,

Charles Burnham

violin

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Burnham on violin,

John Schott

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">John Schott on guitar, her mentor,

Myra Melford

piano
b.1957

" data-original-title="" title="">Myra Melford on piano,

Jerome Harris

guitar, electric
b.1953

" data-original-title="" title="">Jerome Harris on bass and

Matt Wilson

drums
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Wilson on drums. All of them have shown similarly eclectic interests in the past, and interact well with Wilson's trumpet playing and singing, in varying combinations. The resulting music has a similar feel to the Americana-flavored work of players such as

Bill Frisell

guitar, electric
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Frisell,

Hank Roberts

cello
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Hank Roberts and

Jenny Scheinman

violin
b.1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Jenny Scheinman but with its own unique sense of community and adventure. The title track, "Kaleidoscope," begins with a quiet, lilting theme traced out playfully, first by Schott, Melford and Harris, then with Wilson and Burnham added. Then the leader steps to the front with a tight, rhythmic solo over guitar. Wilson's trumpet also takes the lead on the moody "Night Still" before violin and piano stretch out on a dreamlike vibe against a softly undulating bass and drum rhythm . Wilson sometimes blends into the ensemble sound instead of taking a lead role, letting the other players lead the way and take solo turns. John Schott, for example, dominates "Color" with a twisty guitar solo set against sawing violin and martial drumming. "The Hit," a more complex piece than the rest, starts out with Matt Wilson carousing on his drums under extended trumpet, violin and piano notes. Then Jerome Harris' bass bubbles up and Schott's perky licks lead the group in a jazz-funk direction, with the lead instruments playing faster and harder.

There are also more specific country and folk tunes on the album, especially Wilson's vocal features. She sings the twangy "Quiet Rust" and the solemn "Young Woman" in an endearingly natural voice, accompanied by swaying guitar and violin on the former and calmly folkish piano. She also cheerfully chirps over guitar and pizzicato violin to a rural shuffle beat on "Lullaby & Exile" . The instrumental "Felta Road" carries a pastoral Old West feeling, with Wilson featured as the ensemble lead and lyrical solo player. African party rhythms crop up on "Presence" and "Go." Schott's guitar stars on both, darting and chipping over exuberant drumming as the rest of the band dances in his wake..

There are wildly divergent sounds on this album, all held together by the freshness and exuberance of the playing. Sarah Wilson generously gives her bandmates plenty of space to contribute and make this a fun, unpredictable listen.

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Track Listing

Aspiration, Presence, Young Woman, Color, Kaleidoscope, Felta Road, Quiet Rust, Night Still, The Hit, Lullaby + Exile, With Grace, Go

Personnel

Sarah Wilson

trumpet

Myra Melford

piano

Matt Wilson

drums

Charles Burnham

violin

Jerome Harris

guitar, electric

John Schott

guitar

Album information

Title: Kaleidoscope | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Brass Tonic

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