Another great theme for a jazz album! Some Stevie Wonder tunes have been picked up by jazz performers but this may be the first entire album of them – nine tracks! And it looks like a second volume is in the offing. Gilman’s trio recorded an album of all Dave Brubeck tunes a few years ago, so this was not an off-the-wall idea for them. Lennon & McCartney tunes are being heard more and more in the jazz world as musicians realize how musically original and effective they are, and Stevie Wonder’s joyful songs are often in the same class. This seems to be a good time to bring them into the jazz genre since much jazz is being infused with elements of soul and funk.
Dr. Gilman has a master’s in jazz and contemporary media from the Eastman School of Music and a doctorate in education from the University of Sarasota. He has performed with Eddie Harris, Bobby Hutcherson, George Duke, Chris Botti and Slide Hampton. He received the Brubeck Institute’s first Brubeck Scholar Award and his rhythm section are both Brubeck Institute students. The inclusion of Wonder’s “Sir Duke” shows he is no stranger to the world of jazz. I think my favorite track was the trio’s treatment of Wonder’s Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.”
Tracks: I Wish, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing, Smile Please, That Girl, Sir Duke, Taboo, Send One Your Love, Love Light in Flight, Go Home.
– John Henry
