Fred Wisdom: We Should Fight
Musicians:
Fred Wisdom (vocals, guitar),
Chris Bowden (alto sax), Jo Ruddick (piano), Percy Bassman (bass), Jim Bashford (drums)
.Composed by Fred Wisdom
.Recorded: Birmingham, England, January 2004
Rating: 90/100 (learn more)
On Words of Wisdom, vocalist/guitarist Fred Wisdom has surrounded himself with some damn fine jazz musicians. Despite the fact that bass man Bassman and drummer Bashford have suspicious surnames, they are a solid rhythm section. Altoist Bowden is also a strong participant.
If Words of Wisdom were strictly an instrumental album, this would be very good music. But Wisdom's soulful voice, sounding like the jazzier/reggae side of Sting with a slight head cold, is mesmerizing. It raises the performance level several notches. His lyrics and composing are nothing earth-shattering, but they are direct and effective. Ruddick's piano chords introduce expressive Wisdom's vocals. "We Should Fight" hints at a swing number to usher in Bowden's flourishes. The hint turns into reality as the midsection evolves into straight swinging jazz. Ruddick's piano playing is sublime. Bowden opens up. Wisdom's world-weary blues via reggae vocals reenter to bring the piece to a pleasing end.
I have some words of wisdom for you. Check this cat out.
Reviewer: Walter Kolosky
Tags: 2000s jazz · jazz vocals
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