Dave Wilson Quartet - Spiral (2010)

The CD "Spiral" by the Dave Wilson Quartet was released officially on June 15th, 2010, courtesy of Summit Records, a nationally based label, located in Phoenix, Arizona (www.summitrecords.com). This features 6 original compositions in a contemporary mode including "Spiral", "Ocean Blue", "Movin' On", "Remembering", "Summer Breezes", and "Like GS 2"; plus unique arrangements of three contemporary pop classics including "Friend of the Devil" by the psychedelic jam band icons the Grateful Dead; "(You’re the) Biggest Part of Me" by the L.A. 70's studio sensation Ambrosia; and "My Own Prison" by the Alt Christian superstar rock band Creed; topped off by a lyrical and moving take on Tonhino Horta's beautiful jazz waltz, "Francisca" and a soaring rendition of pianist Richie Bierach's epic "Elm". Recorded at the famed Red Rock Studios, Saylorsburg, PA, Kent Heckman engineering, Dave enlisted the help of Phil Markowitz on Piano, Tony Marino on Bass, and Adam Nussbaum on Drums, all internationally acclaimed and renowned.

Asked why he chose these tunes to record Dave said, “These songs, including the original compositions and the "cover" tunes, are all, for various reasons, close to my heart. They are like personal statements of where I am at in my life, musically and otherwise. When I make and play music like this I am trying to communicate such heartfelt sentiments to the listener, whether they are in the club, the concert hall, or listening to the recording.”

Spiral received radio airplay from some 40 stations nationwide along with positive critical reviews. It achieved “Chartbound” status in the Jazz Weekly countdown, topping at #51 nationwide, (staying in the 50’s for over 8 weeks), as well as #41 in the Roots Radio Report! It topped in media ranking of #10 in Boston (WGBH); #5 in Dallas (KNTU); #17 in San Diego, and peaking at #8 in Philadelphia. Spiral received a great review (3 and ½ stars!) in the November issue of Downbeat Magazine, and was reviewed positively in the December issue of Jazz Times.

From Downbeat Magazine (3 and 1/2 stars):
“With a crack band in pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Tony Marino and Adam Nussbaum on drums, saxophonist Dave Wilson knows how to pick them and the music...sparked by Wilson's edgy yet loose tenor playing along with vivid comping and soloing by Markowitz, sold support from Marino and sensitive yet fiery playing from the always reliable Nussbaum...indicates a band comfort level both wide and deep.”

From Jazz Times:
"With stellar support from Pianist Phil Markowitz, Bassist Tony Marino, and drummer Adam Nussbaum, Pennsylvania-based saxophonist-educator Dave Wilson elevates his game and blows with authority on this collection of originals and smartly plucked covers. From the aggressive title track (with Wilson channeling his inner Trane on tenor) to the soothing bossa nova “Ocean Blue”, the expansive modal number “Movin’ On” and an intriguing variation on Scott LaFaro’s “Gloria’s Step” (titled “Like GS Step 2”) the saxophonist showcases a bold sound, fertile ideas, and fluid lines."