Pianist
Anthony Wonsey's debut on Criss Cross is his third recording as a leader and also his first non-trio outing. He has joined forces with his employer, trumpeter
Nicholas Payton, tenor saxophonist
Ron Blake, bassist
Gerald Cannon, and drummer
Nasheet Waits to create a recording with that classic '60s Blue Note trumpet-tenor sound, but coming from a '90s point of view.
Wonsey, who claims
Herbie Hancock,
Bill Evans, and
Bud Powell as major influences, wrote five of the nine selections on
Open the Gates, including the energetic waltz, "Xavier's Arrival," the burning title track, and two versions of the Shorter-influenced, "My Heart Is With You."
Cannon contributed the catchy medium-up swinger "A Song for Audrey" and
Payton contributed the modern "Into the Blacklight."
Payton always comes to play when he guests on someone else's recording, as he contributes excellent solos throughout this recording in addition to contributing a composition, and blends nicely with front line partner
Blake.
Wonsey is also joined by bassist
John Webber and drummer
Willie Jones for two trio selections, a hip arrangement of the standard "Invitation," based on a bass-piano vamp similar to sound to what
McCoy Tyner would play, and a slower-than-usual, but groovin' version of
Duke Pearson's "Big Bertha." This is an excellent label debut from this fine young pianist, one of 1999s best releases. ~ Greg Turner