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CD Reviews

"What the Critics are saying about MY TIME"

-JAZZ TIMES. MARCH 2007

DAVE WILSON QUARTET…MY TIME (Dreambox)

Dave Wilson’s second CD makes a subdued entrance with a gently flowing ballad led by long, clear tones from Wilson’s soprano sax. But just when you thin you’ve got him figured out, the tables are turned. It’s Wilson’s gruff, streetwise tenor that dominates this outing, with a merry band of Philadelphia musicians keeping the vibe straight-up and swinging. They hit their peak in a compelling version of “Summertime” (presented here in two versions), with Wilson’s passionate blowing going into overdrive above the riffing rhythm section. Five original tunes offer catchy hooks and warm moods, keeping the disc buzzing along nicely. …Forrest Dylan Bryant, JAZZ TIMES MARCH 2007

-The new CD by the DAVE WILSON QUARTET, “MY TIME”, received 3 stars (***) in a review by Karl Stark of the Philadelphia Inquirer, appearing in the Sunday, February 26th edition. Below is the review printed in its entirety. It was originally found at http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/entertainment/13951849.htm.

Dave Wilson
My Time
(Dreambox Media ***)

Lancaster, Pa.-based saxophonist Dave Wilson can change your mind about the hipness of Amish country. Wilson, 50, who studied with saxophone biggie Joe Lovano and gigs around in the Dixieland band Canal Street Hot 6 and the more modern Crazeology, is a threat throughout the woodwind family. It's cool to hear him throw some free-jazz squeals into a happening mainstream vibe with pianist Matt Hochmiller, bassist Steve Meashey, and drummer Tony Deangelis. Wilson is a fluid player who gets around the horn - mostly soprano and tenor - and blends in wherever he lands. Much of this set, like the Wilson original "Funtime," is easy to take in, though "Apocalyptic Blues," with the "Maiden Voyage"-like piano accompaniment, can get more involved. Wilson's blaring tenor in "Blues on Parade" projects a persuasive, lounge-lizard feel, while Wilson's arrangement of "Summertime" squeezes some new moves from an overworked chestnut.

-K.S. Karl Stark

*FROM ALL ABOUT JAZZ, APRIL 16, 2006:

My Time

The Dave Wilson Quartet | Dreambox Media (2006)

By Michael P. Gladstone

Dave Wilson's debut album, Through The Time (2002), presented him as a post-Coltrane soprano and tenor saxophonist with a penchant for melody. On My Time, recorded with a Pennsylvania group, he retains bassisst Steve Meashey, adding pianist Matt Hockmiller and drummer Tony Deangelis. Wilson opens the album with an unusual choice, Alec Wilder's “Moon and Sand,” which he plays as a ballad on both soprano and tenor sax. The remaining ten selections include five originals, plus “Just Friends,” Kenny Wheeler's “Smatter,” Bill Evans' “Time Remembered” and an original arrangement of ”Summertime.” Wilson offers two versions of the Gershwin classic: first, a six-minute take on the third track, then the twelve-minute closer, with plenty of room to display his tenor sax technique. Wilson does show a keen sense of melody, as well as the ability to turn the heat a notch up on the uptempo tracks. His ballad “Song for Lisa,” performed on soprano sax, is attractive. Pianist Matt Hochmiller provides several punchy solo statements, while Meashey and Deangelis supply a simmering cushion for the quartet.

Michael P. Gladstone – allaboutjazz.com http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=21382

-NEW REVIEW JUST IN FROM CADENCE RECORDS/MAGAZINE! (8/29/06

DAVE WILSON,
MY TIME,
DREAMBOX 1089. Moon and Sand* / Just Friends / Summertime / Rockin’ Tonight /
Smatter / Time Remembered / Funtime* / Song for Lisa /
Apocalyptic Blues / Blues on Parade. 68:20.
Wilson, ts, ss* Matt Hochmiller, p; Steve Meashey, b;
Tony Deangelis, d. May 2-3, 2005, Exton, PA.


The Dave Wilson Quartet interprets this ses-sion of standards and originals with a unique approach. The leader’s saxophones supply familiar melodies and improvised thrills, his piano trio sup-ports and stretches out with improvised solo work, and the quartet’s cohesive ensemble mixture relates each story convincingly. But Wilson adds a dynamic quality that pushes his quartet’s performance beyond ordinary. He’s having fun, and that means his audience can enjoy the spirit equally. Several selections swing with a traditional grasp of the situation, while others stand out for their progressive charm. Wilson’s burly tenor makes a strong statement, as he surges with fluid ease and a swinging appearance. His musical statements emerge as personal pages of conversation that interact with his musical partners intuitively. Matt Hochmiller’s piano soliloquies prove sensual and soothing, while bassist Steve Meashey provides an arching connector. The harmonic color that he adds, coupled with drummer Tony Deangelis’ crisp stick work, gives the session plenty of character. From Calypso to Swing and balladry, the quartet comes up with a winner. The best part of the album comes at the end, with a second take of “Summertime” that runs for 12 minutes. Wilson shows his individuality with a fired-up rampage that captures the sincere emotion originally intend-ed for this piece by its composer. Wilson’s quartet opens up, stretches out, and releases the passion that we look for in this Jazz standard. His session comes recommended for its appropriate balance of tradition with the modern mainstream.

Jim Santella-Cadence Records

-FROM Ejazznews.com http://ejazznews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=7058&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

CD Reviews: Dave Wilson Quartet.. My Time..DMJ 1089 2005

Posted by: adminon Monday, October 30, 2006 - 07:06 AM

ReviewsBy John Gilbert

The highlight of this album is track 2, "Just Friends" Dave Wilson on tenor plays as fast as a bootlegger heading for the county line and some fine four bar exchanges between Wilson and drummer Tony Deangelis cap off a swinging tune. A solid ensemble plus a few tried and true standards make this a worthwhile recording...


4 Stars

Visit California Coast Jazz At:
http://community-2.webtv.net/johnnyjazz/johnnyjazzsjazzpage

-In the tradition of mainstream jazz, reedman extraordinaire Dave Wilson asserts himself to us his devoted listeners like a NASA shuttle bent on conquering the universe. His take on Bill Evans's eternal jazz ballad ''Time Remembered'' personifies this perspective. The quartet 'plays itself 'as it were with a natural symbiosis and a full appreciation of mature bebop....Proffering us their music with compelling chordal extensions, & lovely angular lines, etc....Bringing our sensibilities to a strong musical reaction in real time.

George W. Carroll/The Musicians' Ombudsman

-The Dave Wilson Quartet – My Time (CD)

Sound: B Music: B

The Dave Wilson Quartet’s 2005 album My Time is very good in a recent CD release that offers mostly original material by Wilson. Bill Evans’ Time Remembered and the Gershwin/Gershwin/Heyward classic Summertime are also included, with the latter covered twice! Instead of being merely repetitious or smug, it works and is entertaining with the combination of talent and energy you expect from such a genre work. Pretty much produced by Wilson, the PCM 2.0 16bit/44.1kHz Stereo is really nice, with vivid sonics for this format sometimes hitting the audiophile level. It is one of the most replayable Jazz CDs we have heard in a while and fans will be very interested too. You can go to www.dreamboxmedia.com and/or www.DaveWilsonMusic.org for more information.

- Nicholas Sheffo www.fulviewdrive-in.com

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4526/The+Dave+Wilson+Quartet+-+My+Time

-Jazzreview.com
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-18272.html

Featured Artist: Dave Wilson Quartet

CD Title: My Time

Year: 2006

Record Label: Dreambox Media

Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic

Review:

Music teacher, business owner and saxophonist Dave Wilson relocated from the New York City suburbs a few decades ago, where he studied and performed. Now, residing in the less-hectic environs of Lancaster, Pa., the artist doesn’t necessarily opt for a calming jazz sensibility, here on his second solo effort. Wilson is the primary soloist, performing on tenor and soprano saxophones as he nestles his craft somewhere in-between modern mainstream and progressive jazz. On “Moon and Sand,” his blithe tone is spiced-up by a sugary edge amid airy and dreamscape-drenched choruses. Pianist Matt Hochmiller provides a sturdy yet limber support structure via his accents, comping and soloing endeavors. But, diversity remains a key to this album’s success as the quartet swings and ventures into hard-bop terrain. More importantly, Wilson injects punch and zip into jazz standards, evidenced by his soulful rasp on “Summertime,” and a deeply personalized spin on Bill Evans’ ballad, “Time Remembered.” Then on Wilson’s original composition titled “Funtime,” the band works through a temperate, Latin-jazz groove to complement a few heated sojourns into the free-zone. Wilson’s wit shines radiantly during the final piece, which is an extended version of “Summertime.” Here, the rhythm section gravitates atop a buoyant ostinato as the saxophonist takes on vocal-like attributes, largely due to his emphatic and vibrato-based phrasings. And besides the musicians’ noticeable camaraderie and solid chops, this endeavor pronounces clarity of thought, and proclamations of good cheer.

 

Record Label Website: http://www.dreamboxmedia.com

Artist's Website: http://www.davewilsonmusic.org

Reviewed by: Glenn Astarita

 

-FROM Ejazznews.com http://www.ejazznews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=7077&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

CD Reviews: The Dave Wilson Quartet, “My Time”

Posted by: adminon Friday, November 03, 2006 - 03:00 AM

ReviewsBy: Edward Blanco

One dynamic CD by saxophonist Dave Wilson, My Time is a follow up to his previous recording, Through The Time and turns out to be a burner of an album. Playing tenor and soprano, Wilson is joined here by Matt Hochmiller (piano), Steve Meashey (bass) and Tony Deangelis (drums) that form this riveting quartet. Wilson contributes five original compositions and provides the arrangements for other tunes like the Gershwin/Heyward classic “Summertime.” There happens to be two helpings of this number, a short six minute version and a twelve-minute rendition of this bluesy/jazz version done in a gut grinding raunchy style featuring the leader’s prowess on the tenor.

The music starts cooking right from the opening “Moon and Sand,” followed by an excellent version of the jazz standard “Just Friends” with Wilson whaling on the sax. He rocks the set with the outlandish “Rockin’ Tonight.” In contrast, he slows the pace a bit on the slow and melodic “Time Remembered.” Wilson plays the soprano on the absolutely beautiful sweet little number “ Song for Lisa.” For one of the best cuts on this album you need to take in “Apocalyptic Blues” that also contains a terrific piano solo by Hochmiller.

My Turn is clearly a Dave Wilson project considering that his is the prominent voice on the album. An engaging performance and clever boppish charts, should propel this disc to the top of the national jazz station play list.

Label: Dreambox Media
Year: 2006
Artist Web: wwwdacewilsonmusic.org

-From Allmusic.com. 11 9 2006

http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:ii4zefyk5gf3
Review

by Scott Yanow

Tenor saxophonist Dave Wilson and his quartet are based in Philadelphia and, from the evidence of this CD, they are well worth catching. Wilson has an intense but friendly tone on tenor and soprano, and a style based in hard bop but open to undertaking more adventurous paths. Pianist Matt Hochmiller takes several impressive solos and the rhythm section is both supportive and stimulating. Whether it is an up-tempo romp or a brooding ballad, My Time has plenty of colorful moments and features the four musicians in top form.

-From “Midwestern Recap” week of 11/26/2006

DAVE WILSON QUARTET/My Time: Sax man with a dynamic sound has played with a bunch of the greats but is only making the second foray under his own name here. A seasoned pro that obviously loves to blow, Wilson can easily slip into overdrive but he never takes his hand off the wheel and never covers you in sheets of notes just because he can. A tasty work throughout, he can lay down a solid blowing date in the classic mode even when he's got his crew working to on originals that sound and feel new. Here's a cat that's playing for the hell of it and he brings a vibe that's sure to connect with you because of that.
1089 (Dreambox)

-Celebrity Café- Sari N. Kent http://thecelebritycafe.com/cd/full_review/12520.html

Dave Wilson Quartet - My Time
- A superior example of saxophone play, My Time, by the Dave Wilson Quartet, has both quick-witted and suave tracks that will rouse any jazz enthusiast. “Moon and Sand” is a cool, reposing song that one can picture listening to on their MP3 as they walk along a sandy beach. Along with the saxophone, it has piano and even cymbals. “Just Friends” has agile saxophone work from Wilson, swift piano play and some percussion to spice things up a bit. “Summertime” has Wilson playing deeper notes on the saxophone for a sexier feel. “Rockin’ Tonight” does just what its title implies, it gets you “rockin” with its peppy pace. “Smatter” has a smooth flow that will make you just sit back and be enveloped in the music. Some might say the tracks blend together and sound the same, but if you take the time to listen to each song all the way through, you will find each is unique. My Time, by the Dave Wilson Quartet, is a jazz album one can let wash over them and they will feel at total peace with the music.

Reviewer: Sari N. Kent

new
Reviewer's Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 0
Reader's Votes: 0

-Jazz Society of Oregon- George Fendel 1/3/2007

http://www.jsojazzscene.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=11&id=153&Itemid=272

My Time, Dave Wilson; tenor and soprano saxophones. The Dave Wilson Quartet exemplifies yet another group of young cats who are dedicated to the jazz art. From the photos, they all look like twenty-somethings (or are you and I just looking‚ a bit older?) and they're blowin' straight down the center of jazz boulevard. For the most part, they play some pretty good tunes too. The CD begins with Moon And Sand, an Alec Wilder tune which seems to be enjoying a rebirth of sorts. The quartet continues with a solid take on the standard Just Friends, then applies too fast a tempo and too much extraneous "stuff" to Gershwin's Summertime. It is, after all, a lullaby. Rockin' Tonight, a medium-up original, sounds loosely based on the famous I Got Rhythm changes, and Smatter (could that be short for "what's the matter"?) is a rollicking roller coaster from trumpeter Kenny Wheeler. Time Remembered, a Bill Evans ballad, gives pianist Matt Hochmiller a chance to shine and Funtime features the leader‚s charming soprano sax. The CD continues with three additional Wilson originals, and then, rather curiously, returns to an eleven minute reprise of Summertime, once again played fully out of context. Despite this singular clinker, there's lots of good, straight ahead playing here. For more info, visit www.DaveWilsonMusic.org. Self-produced, 2005; Playing Time: 67:25, ***.

-O's Place Jazz Newsletter. 1/9/2007

Dave Wilson - My Time 4/3
O's Notes: Dave assembles a fine quartet for this burning session. His sax work on "Summertime" gives the song a sultry steamy character. Dave continues to burn on "Rockin' Tonight" with Steve Meashey walking the bass. On "Smatter", drummer Tony Deangelis gets in the mix but the main man is Dave on sax packing enough energy for several more sets.

What The Critics are Saying about “THROUGH THE TIME”…

"it's supremely heartening to know that, in these dark days of the major label cartel, an independent gigging musician like Wilson can find the necessary support to head into the studio accompanied by friends and likeminded musicians and cut a
record to such a respectable standard"

 -  E.J. Ianelli / AllAboutJazz.com -




Dave Wilson brings a sometimes Sonny Rollins-sometimes Warne Marsh sound to his tenor sax explorations.  On soprano, he brings hope to a world assaulted and insulted by Kenny Somebody.  Wilson wends his way through four originals of varying tempos plus sturdy takes on "Blue In Green," "Dindi," "All The Things You Are" and "Days Of Wine and Roses."  His rhythm section, featuring Kirk Reese, piano, is solidly in his corner all the way. 
- George Fendel  -
Music Critic for the Jazz Society of Oregon