Alec Wilder (1907-1980) is not a household name, either with the listening public or jazz musicians. He composed in all idioms, wrote intelligently on musical subjects and was a “man about town” in New York, conversant with many types of musicians from saloon singers to conductors. The interpretations on this recording received little alteration from the lead sheets, except for changes to a few bass lines to make them more complementary to a trio. There are subtle twists and turns throughout, and when one looks at the lyrics, it’s another story altogether. The melodies flow naturally and though not outwardly lyrical for the most part, they tend to remain in one’s ear afterwards. |