PRODUKTBESCHREIBUNGEN
Most of Wyatt's compositions evoke storytelling, journey taking; in other words, a specificity of mood that transcends the musicianship of the players to reach a higher goal: make the listener feel something. It might be called romantic jazz, in the sense of romantic composers. The record flows with a consistent feel while changing things up enough to keep the listener interested and engaged. The style of composition is reflective both of Wyatt's musical influences and his broad range of experience and training. When asked about Wyatt's compositions, musicians around him say they are "not your typical drummer tunes." In his words, "My vision for this music is to create a platform for the listener to appreciate composition and improvisation side by side. The players I chose for this record I not only chose for the rapport that has come from years of making music together, but specifically for the choices they make as improvisers and collaborators. I know that in them I can find engaged, strong, thoughtful, and heartfelt interpretations of the material. The material itself is an attempt at redirecting that which inspires me about good music into original creations. Those qualities that attract me are strong melodies that suggest a story, engaging arrangements of harmony and rhythm, and a healthy dose of the unexpected. My wish is that music lovers of all types can find something in this music with which to connect." For much of the material on the record, Wyatt was influenced by colleagues and contemporaries. Combining his traditional jazz training and ethos with contemporary folk and rock sensibilities, he comes up with a unique set of song-like tunes with jazz forms. Certain melodies are reminiscent of the indie folk band Cuddle Magic, with a minimalist yet heartfelt mood suggestive of Norah Jones. Wyatt also took some influence from composer Ben Gallina, in whose electric chamber jazz group, SALO, he drums. Other influences include composer Jesse Elder, Thelonious Monk, Lennie Tristano, and Dave Holland. Blending this narrative compositional style with a healthy amount of improvisation, Alex is joined by a stellar sextet of up-and-coming New York jazz phenoms. Besides Chris Tordini on bass, joining Wyatt is Greg Ruggiero, whose two successful albums for Fresh Sound, New Talent, have established him as a go-to guitarist and composer for anyone looking for unmatched sound and melodic sensibility. Rounding out the rhythm section is Danny Fox on piano, of Danny Fox Trio notoriety. Completing the sextet are the in-demand saxophonists Kyle Wilson and Masahiro Yamamoto, playing tenor and alto, respectively.