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Anson Wright: Only Love

By Geannine Reid
July 12, 2020
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The young

Anson Wright

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Anson Wright began his thirst for knowledge at Princeton and left post-graduate studies at Columbia to quench a different thirst, his musical creativity. Living in New York City's East Village, Wright was able to absorb performances by

Charles Mingus

bass, acoustic
1922 - 1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Mingus at the Five Spot, which ignited his passion for improvisation. Wright is a gifted fingerstyle guitarist who has played with

Howard Roberts

guitar, electric
1929 - 1992

" data-original-title="" title="">Howard Roberts

John Stowell

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">John Stowell and

Jerry Hahn

b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Jerry Hahn, as well as Charlie Parker protege Bob Newman and veteran pianist Harry Gillgam.

Only Love is Wright's third album and features his working quartet:

Brian Casey

bass
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Brian Casey on bass,

Todd Scott Bishop

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Todd Scott Bishop on drums and

Jasnam Daya Singh

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jasnam Daya Singh on piano. The collection is adorned with original modern jazz compositions, seven by Wright, two by Singh.

"Rahway Blues" is a riff-based blues melody with an added interlude. The swing feel is built on the steady rhythm section of Casey and Bishop. Casey's bass solo is melodic, and his percussive sound brings clarity and direction to his lines. Wright's solo is built around exciting motifs that he explores with confidence. "Only Love" has a straight-eight feel with another well-crafted melody by Wright. His tone is full, with his notes ringing clear, and has just the right amount of pick attack. Singh's fluidity on the piano is effortless as he digs into the groove provided by Casey and Bishop.

Wright is thoughtful in his writing and on the guitar he can articulate seamless, fiery ideas. He can also express great tenderness. Wright may not be a household name, but he should be. Only Love is worth the exploration.

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Track Listing

Rahway Blues; Maddie In New York; Solstice; Chelsea; Inner Motion; Merci Mon Fr��re; Warrior One; All Shall Rise To Thee; Only Love.

Personnel

Anson Wright

guitar

Jasnam Daya Singh

piano

Brian Casey

bass

Todd Scott Bishop

drums

Album information

Title: Only Love | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Saphu Records

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