Gerald Wilson Orchestra
Detroit
Mack Avenue
www.mackavenue.com
By George W. Harris

Someone’s gotta do a doctoral theses on why there are so many jazz guys
in their 80s and 90s that are still kicking up a storm. Is it the
music? Clean living? God’s grace? Growing up during WWII? Ya got me,
but whatever it is, take advantage of hearing these guys while their
still around, as they make it sound so easy.

Band leader Gerald Wilson has put out another solid release with this
disc dedicated to his home town of Detroit. Tunes like “Blues On Belle
Isle” have a loose arrangement to them, allowing the soloists
to stretch out like RED WINGS and fly over the cruising rhythm section
that is running on all four PISTONS. Other songs, like “Before Motown”
charge forward and roar like a LION, while the contrasting horns and
soloists on “Cass Tech” sneaks up on you like a TIGER. Another fine big
band release from the Motor City Methulselah.