Gerry Wiggins: Wiggin’ Out

Wiggins is at a Hammond B-3 organ rather than his customary piano in this reissue of a 1960 session. His companions are tenor saxophonist Harold Land and drummer Jackie Mills. Much of the time, Wiggins all but bursts with effusions of joy at volumes that would submerge a tenor player with less than Land’s power. Although Mills occasionally sends his backbeat to the edge of excess, the three manage to sustain swing and a party atmosphere without sacrificing interesting ideas. Land plays at the top of his individuality, reflecting none of the Coltrane influence that later sidetracked him. His solo on “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” is brilliant.

Originally Published April 1, 2000