Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts at Jazz Port Townsend – Gary Versace, Terell Stafford, Matt Wilson, Martin Wind (photo by Jim Wilke)
Drummer Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts performance capped the 2008 Jazz Port Townsend Festival in McCurdy Pavilion. The complete concert, with enthusiastic audience participation and community sing, will air on Jazz Northwest from 88.5, KPLU on Sunday, January 11 at 1 pm Pacific Time.
Matt Wilson’s exuberant drive sparks a variety of contemporary ensembles: Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, Dena DeRose Trio, Buster Williams Something More, Bill Mays Trio, Ray Anderson, Jane Ira Bloom and many others. (Perhaps a shorter list would be those he hasn’t played with!)
Although his infectious playfulness permeates every group he’s in, Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts gives free reign to his creativity and imagination. He thrives on surprises, and spontaneity is at the heart of this quartet. Pianist Gary Versace, trumpeter Terell Stafford and bassist Martin Wind open up and enjoy the many possibilities and challenges of this group. You’ll have to listen to “Feel the Sway” that caps this concert, this is a band that puts fun back in jazz!
Thanks to the musicians, Centrum and its staff for the opportunity to present this music on Jazz Northwest.
Jazz Northwest is recorded and produced by Jim Wilke exclusively for KPLU. It airs Sundays at 1 PM Pacific on 88.5, KPLU and is also streamed to the internet at kplu.org . The program is also available as a podcast after the airdate.
(Audio promo below)