Andrew Wilcox – Dear Mr. Hill On Paris Move!
PARIS MOVE
Andrew Wilcox is an interesting composer and pianist who, like his European colleagues, finds his source in classical music to compose his jazz. The title of “Dear Mr. Hill,” the engaging debut album by the gifted, Hartford-based pianist and composer Andrew Wilcox, is addressed to the legendary Andrew Hill. But the album as a whole, a spirited mix of original compositions and keenly chosen standards, is a message from Wilcox to the many mentors and influences that have guided him along his path.
However, one might regret a lack of surprise on this album where everything is beautiful, clean, and pleasant to listen to. In this formality, one can only listen without being moved and merely admire the virtuosity of this pianist. Wilcox was born in Massachusetts and began taking piano lessons at the age of four. He grew up with a mix of classical music, grunge, and classic rock at home, discovering jazz only by playing the trombone in the school band. His destiny was sealed when he first heard Herbie Hancock’s “Takin’ Off.” He became the latest in a long line of piano students nurtured by the legend of local educator Dick Odgren and quickly fell under the spell of his two main influences: Hill and McCoy Tyner.
Even down to the scales used, everything sounds a bit the same. As far as jazz albums go, I’m left somewhat unsatisfied. This year, particularly, we have an immense choice of artists who take risks in their proposals with a certain talent. Here, one can almost always predict note for note what will come next, which is quite boring in the end. Wilcox is typically the kind of artist one might enjoy seeing in concert, without necessarily imagining him making an album. I listened to this album several times without feeling anything, which is rare, but it happens. Yet, the initial concept was interesting on paper.
