Easterly Winds

by Jack Wilson

Overview

Easterly Winds provides an excellent contrast to Jack Wilson's first Blue Note album, Somethin' Personal. Where his label debut was cool and romantic, Easterly Winds is a brassy, funky collection of soul-jazz and hard bop with instant appealing. Wilson keeps the tone fairly diverse, both in his originals and covers. After hitting hard with the funky opening pair "Do It" and "On Children" (both of which illustrate that he was familiar with contemporary soul), he quiets the mood with a nice version of Johnny Mandel's "A Time for Love." On the second half, he turns in soul-jazz ("Easterly Winds"), straight hard bop ("Frank's Tune") and the charmingly lyrical "Nirvanna." Throughout it all, Wilson is subtle and tasteful, allowing trumpeter Lee Morgan and alto saxophonist Jackie McLean their time in the spotlight; trombonist Garnett Brown has a couple of nice moments as well, while bassist Bob Cranshaw and Billy Higgins lend solid rhythmic support. It's another impressive, enjoyable effort from one of the most underrated pianists on Blue Note's '60s roster. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	05/31/2024
Label:	Universal Japan
UPC:	4988031631539
Rank:	254917

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jack Wilson   Primary Artist,Piano
Garnett Brown   Primary Artist,Trombone
Bob Cranshaw   Primary Artist,Guitar (Bass),Bass
Billy Higgins   Primary Artist,Drums
Jackie McLean   Primary Artist,Sax (Alto)
Lee Morgan Quintet   Trumpet
Lee Morgan   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Duke Pearson   Audio Production,Producer
Rudy Van Gelder   Audio Engineer,Engineer
Jack Wilson   Composer
Frank Strozier   Composer
Francis Wolff   Cover Photo,Photography
Johnny Mandel   Composer
Ron McMaster   Mastering
Michael Cuscuna   Reissue Producer
Paul Francis Webster   Composer
Patrick Roques   Reissue Design,Reissue Art Director
Reid Miles   Cover Design
Leroy Robinson   Liner Notes