CD Title: Willie the Weeper
Year: 2008
Record Label: New Orleans North
Style: Traditional / New Orleans
Musicians: Patrick Tevlin (trumpet), Brian Carrick (clarinet), Roberta Hunt (piano), Colin Bray (bass)
Review: Listening to this CD is like taking a trip back in time to the roots of jazz. It is hard to believe there are only four musicians playing on Willie the Weeper, the music is so full and rich in harmonies and rhythms.
This is New Orleans Jazz at it's best, but played by Canadians. The Quartet features special guest Brian Carrick on clarinet, Patrick Tevlin on trumpet, Colin Bray on bass and Roberta Hunt on piano.
The first track, "Willie the Weeper," begins with dynamic melody exchanges on trumpet and clarinet, supported by the swinging rhythms of Bray on bass and Hunt on piano. The vocals are reminiscent of the singers of that era, like Louis Armstrong. Carrick's tone on clarinet is clear and Tevlin's solos are always full of energy. Listen also to powerful trumpet high notes and solos on "Martha" and "Bright Star."
"I Can't Escape From You" is a slower tune, but with the same amazing playing by Carrick and Tevlin. Excellent work on bass by Colin Bray.
Undecided, speed up the tempo again with a fabulous piano playing by Roberta Hunt, who also does the vocals at the end of the tune. Good version also of "I'm Confessing (that I love you)."
Patrick's graceful trumpet solos carries the next track, "It's a long way to Tipperary." Tipperary is an Ireland county situated in the province of Munster. "Love in Bloom" is the most melodic tune on this CD with lovely vocals by Roberta Hunt.
I really enjoy the swinging jazz version of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising." Some of the best solos on piano played by Roberta, who also does harmony on vocals. Beautiful harmonies and melodies exchange on "Moonlight and Roses" and funny lyrics on "My Pussin'," with more great clarinet solos.
"Trombonium" and "Honky Tonk Merry-go-round" are tunes with cheerful, repetitive melody lines, that makes you want to get up and dance. A touch of Caribbean flavor on "Sly Mongoose" with a singing style similar to Harry Belafonte.
The influence of gospel in jazz music can be heard in the uplifting lyrics of "Singing in My Soul" and "God Will Take Care of You."
If you dream of going to New Orleans or just want to listen to good New Orleans traditional jazz, buy Patrick Tevlin's Willie the Weeper.
Tracks: Willie the Weeper, I Can't Escape from You, Undecided, Confessing, It's a Long way to Tipperary, Love in Bloom, Bad Moon Rising, Moonlight and Roses, My Pussin, Trombonium, Honky Tonk Merry-Go-Round, Singing in My Soul, Martha, Bright Star, Sly Mongoose, God Will Take Care of You
Reviewed by: Wilbert Sostre
Artist's Website: http://www.tevlin.ca
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