Anthon Wilson - Our Gang Groove Note

Formats: GRV1008 (180g 2 LPs),GRVCD1008 (Aluminum CD), GRVGCD2008 (Gold CD)

Style: Jazz Trio

Musicians: Anthony Wilson, guitar; Mark Ferber, drums; Joe Bagg, organ.

Review: "Something from Medeski, Martin and Wood" was my first observation of Our Gang, but repeated listening has helped me appreciate the lyricism and depth of the music Anthony Wilson on guitar, Joe Bagg on Hammond B-3, and Mark Ferber on drums make. Covers of "Luck Be a Lady" and "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" give new perspective and offer musical space in which Wilson, in particular, can roam. Wilson shows himself to be an accomplished composer too, with three originals, including the contemplative (at least that's how it affected me) title track. The sound is of reference quality, but not in a showy, blockbuster way. The panoramic soundstage, high resolution, and overall sweetness make this recording sound very here, and the cymbals give away how special the sound is -- quick attack and long decay. This CD could pass for a 24/96 DVD, and it was recorded live to two track DSD, so expect an SACD soon. Oh boy!... - Marc Mickelson - Soundstage.com

Review: "...harmonic sophistication, technical control and sheer suave elegance place (Wilson) in the major ranks of jazz guitarists." - Thomas Conrad, Downbeat, ****

Review: "Wilson is a fine, exceptionally fluid player" - Jim Ferguson, Jazz Times

Review: "a lush, plush, gorgeous-sounding album...." "Anthony Wilson is an up and coming jazz guitar star"
- Frank Doris, The Absolute Sound, Golden Ear Award 2001 Audiophile Audition, Best Jazz CDs of 2001
 

Review: by JW April 29, 2003 Performance:  Sonics: This is a very short 'review' :-), but if you like trio's this is a 'must listen'. From the delicate intro on the first track to the great rythmic propulsion of 'Chitlins'. I really like what the guys have done with 'Luck Be A Lady'. And I can go on and on... The 'Gang' put in a great performance and the recording is intimate and of great quality (it earned a Golden Ear Award by TAS). The soundstage is exactly like you see on the picture on the sleeve, with Anthony in the middle right, Joe Bagg on organ in the front left and Mark Ferber on drums in the back. Anthony Wilson is a very fluid guitarist, but Joe Bagg on Hammond B3 matches that note for note. The more I listen to this disc the more I start to appreciate the incredible nimbleness he displays on the organ. Ferber on drums has a firm but at the same time light touch and you can easily hear how he is driving, supporting, filling and laying the rythmic foundation. - Jw