Martin Wind: Family

While pianist Bill Mays and drummer Matt Wilson display a propensity towards wildness, bassist-leader Martin Wind can be counted on to add his own whimsy and to provide an anchor amid his bandmates’ storm. For this recording, the trio is joined by tenorman Rich Perry and trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and they are given wide range on May’s compositions.

The first cut has Mays delivering nimble work, Perry establishing his cool tone and Jensen wailing, as Wilson and Wind do some hard driving. Wind displays his beautiful arco playing on “Maria,” a lovely duet that shows touches of “Eleanor Rigby,” and Mays matches him note for note in skill and depth of feeling. On “Lullaby,” a tune with exquisitely intricate playing, Wind’s deep pizzicato begins with a slightly bluesy feel that’s picked up later by Perry, who’s blowing so cool. Mays’ fingers croon a quiet lullaby, then he and Perry head off into space, building sound while the soft cries of Jensen’s horn escalate.

Wind and Wilson end the recording with a duet that showcases Wind’s versatility by playing the many sounds of his bass off against Wilson’s steady, delightful beat.

Originally Published September 1, 2000