Legendary in the Bay Area for her irreverent sense of humor as well as her mix of numerous jazz-related styles --
Monk,
Chopin,
Piazzola,
Waller, Bach,
Bill Evans -- pianist
Gini Wilson (aka "The Duchess") founded this current ensemble with reedsman
Steve Heckman in 2002. Effortlessly and beautifully blending the realms of jazz and classical (the eight-minute opener "Un Amor un Poco Tragico" eases effortlessly from a classical hypnosis to a playful swing vibe), the group features bassist Pat Klobas and drummer Ron Marabuto. Their previous CD, The Crossing Point, created a unique hybrid incorporating everything from
Wayne Shorter and Erik Satie to world music and Nuevo Tango. Anchored by
Wilson's deft playing and quick-shifting moodswings,
SFCJQ continues this exploration with the help of guest vocalist Jackie Ryan (graceful and romantic on "Separate Ways," swinging wittily on "Lucky Monkey") and a centerpiece contribution from Cape Verde Islands composer Amandio Cabral ("Suave Duqueza," very much a biography of
Wilson both literally and musically).
Wilson's tunes dominate among the originals, but
Heckman's playful, strutting "O Town Blues" is good old- fashioned bebop away from the classical tone completely. Projects like this prove that with a little ingenuity, seemingly disparate musical styles can actually create perfect harmony. ~ Jonathan Widran