Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts
“It is only through players like these, who can simultaneously be serious and have fun, that the music will continue to grow, remain alive and thrive into its second century.”
-Patrick Hinely CODA
Personnel
Terell Stafford- trumpet, flugelhorn
Gary Versace - piano, organ, accordion
Martin Wind - bass
Matt Wilson - drums
I assembled this stellar cast to play on a record project I was doing for Palmetto Records. I wanted to do something with a different instrumentation than the Matt Wilson Quartet. I also wanted to have the opportunity to records tunes I had stored in my “want to record someday” file. The date also challenged me to compose pieces that stretched the “classic” jazz quartet instrumentation.
I knew that I wanted Dennis Irwin on the bass. His sound and feel is a drummer’s dream. This is evident in his highly regarded performances with Art Blakey and Mel Lewis. I had only played with trumpeter Terell Stafford once prior to the recording. It was so easy to play music with him. The experience convinced me that his not only his musicianship, but his presence, provides a spiritual uplifting to any band in which he is involved. Larry Goldings played organ on my debut recording As Wave Follows Wave but is an exceptional pianist. I believe he is simply one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He passionately communicates through music at so many levels.
I was not surprised when the results were remarkable. A short rehearsal and a 5 1/2 record date produced music that was fresh, spirited and full of life. It flowed without effort. All that and a mere 36 hours earlier my wife and I learned we were having triplets!
In February 2002 we did a fun-filled ten-day Midwest US tour. The music was extraordinary and we have a great time traveling together. The gentlemen are all also knowledgeable, caring and humorous teachers and I gained so much from being around them.
Come Check out Arts & Crafts!
Nov 12, 2008—Nov 22, 2008—Arts & Crafts Italian Tour
Audio Clips
Listen to Stompin’ Grounds, from Arts & Crafts
Recent Press Propaganda
Arts & Crafts Review - Green Mill, Chicago
Posted: Sat, May 24, 2008
On Saturday night, I am pretty sure that I heard a drumset sing. At least, that’s the only way that I can think of describing it. I clearly heard notes coaxed from toms, a snare drum handled with extraordinary subtlety, and cymbal work that was simply masterful, energetic and busy but not overbearing. This melodic approach was in no way gimmicky, it struck me as a manifestation of understanding the real voice of the instrument.
On Saturday night, I was at the Green Mill. …
Time for Arts and Crafts: Matt Wilson at the Jazz Bakery, May 2-6
Posted: Tue, May 01, 2007
Written by Andrea Canter, Contributing Editor
Matt Wilson has been collecting more than percussion instruments: His accolades include four consecutive titles as DownBeat critics’ “rising star” drummer”; “Best New Artist” by the New York Jazz Critics Circle; winner of the 2004 Modern Drummers reader’s poll; nomination as 2004 and 2006 Jazz Drummer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. Similar accolades have been heaped upon his ensembles, the Matt Wilson Quartet and his other foursome, Arts and Crafts. Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts is currently touring in support …
The New Low Down Review of Arts and Crafts
Posted: Sun, Apr 22, 2007
By: The New Low Down
22 April 2007
Show: Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts
Friday, April 20, 2007 @ The Blue Room
Despite the cover charge and bar tab, it felt more like a house party.
Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts played three solid sets of top-shelf jazz last Friday at the Blue Room. In the two long breaks in between, the band milled among the tables glad-handing the well-wishers. Arts & Crafts trumpeter Terrell Stafford chatted with local pianist and singer Pamela Baskin-Watson. Local …
onefinalnote.com Review of Wake Up!
Posted: Mon, Mar 28, 2005
Matt Wilson continues his unique streak of drummer-led albums with Wake Up! (To What’s Happening), a set that touches upon Cuban carnival, swinging post-bop, and swirling psychedelica. He is assisted admirably by Larry Goldings on piano and organ, Terell Stafford on trumpet and flugelhorn, Dennis Irwin on bass and clarinet, and guest vocalist Curtis Stigers who makes his presence felt mightily on the Tony Williams penned “There Comes a Time”.
Unique among drummer-leaders, Wilson is a finesse player, quiet and understated, giving plenty of room to his fellow bandmates. No …
Ken Waxman Review of Arts & Crafts
Posted: Fri, Jun 01, 2001
By Ken Waxman
Neo cons may pontificate as much as they want about their narrow definition of “true jazz”, but an unabashed mainstream session like this one easily shows that so-called avant garde sounds long ago became part of the common vocabulary of most improvised musicians.
Among the tunes you’ll find nestled on this session among ones by George Gershwin and Bud Powell, and including a bossa nova and a Welsh folk song, is a Rahsaan Roland Kirk swinger, an Ornette Coleman gospel-blues rocker, and the leader’s disconsolate tribute to the late Art …
