Anthony Wilson Quintet with Madeleine Peyroux @ The Vic. 02.19.04


Guitarist Anthony Wilson brought his group of first-rate musicians for an evening of refined straight-ahead jazz at the intimate and very hip Vic nightlclub. Displaying his refined and attractive tone, Wilson opened with pianist Goldings’ gentle, moody and intricate ballad, "Hopin". With melodic and deliberate solos, both Goldings and Wilson displayed their sensitive sides, slowly leading the rhythm section of Dave Plitch (bass), Tim Pleasant (drums) and Greg Ellis (percussion) into a volcanic climax. Continuing their display of taste and elegance, Wilson lead the band through a Brazilian romp, "Con e Baile", featuring crisp percussion on metallic castinets by Ellis. The sensual clippety-clop of the rhythm section rumbled behind the guitar and piano solos like the Kentucky Derby. Returning to a calm and reflective mood, Wilson played his lyrical original "Jackson", (dedicated to the abstract painter) with a clear languid solo, gently supported by his sensitive and sympathetic accompaniment. Then, before the unsuspecting crowd, Wilson scored the scoop of the year by welcoming Ms. Madeleine Peyroux on stage to completely transform the band and nightclub.

Visibly excited and pleased to return to singing after a 5 year absence, Ms. Peyroux completely mesmerized the audience with a wistful rendition of "I’ll Look Around". Suddenly, before our very eyes, this young lady took this contemporary refined jazz band, and turned it into a 30’s cabaret/swing combo, hauntingly similar to the Teddy Wilson Orchestra with Billie Holiday. The plaintive lilt of Ms. Peyroux’s voice, the earnest charm in her inflection, all supported by classic small group swing caused a palpable balm to overwhelm the crowd. By the second song, "I Hear Music", people were heard commenting, "Who IS this?!?" Where has she BEEN?". With a vocal quality that Al Jolson describes as "A smile with a tear in your eye," Ms. Peyroux brought roars of approval with each chorus she’d sing. Closing her return to the music world with the moody and atmospheric "You Ain’t Gonna Bother Me No More", she drained the audience of all it’s energy with her joyfully painful reading of the lyric. The rousing applause at the end of her set was not only for appreciation, but also to welcome her back into the fold.

Upon Ms. Peyroux’x exit, Wilson and bassist returned to the 21st century with a reflective guitar/bass duet, before leading the band in a rousing close. Mr. Wilson et al must be thanked for returning Ms Peyroux to us in good health. For once, a happening really happened.


--George W. Harris