Marshall Gilkes & WDR Big Band

Always Forward

Since Marshall Gilkes arrival in New York City in the late 1990s, his star has continued to shoot towards a trajectory of greatness.  Contributing his warmly toned low brass hues to Maria Schneider Orchestra, or the exotic chamber jazz of Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda’s trio; or the thriving New York Latin music scene, Gilkes can be found tirelessly pushing his artistry to new heights.  His latest endeavor is his fifth leader release.  Following the success of the acclaimed 2015 Köln, that garnered his Grammy nominated collaboration with the WDR Big Band. Gilkes once again shows his love of jazz did not stop at the 1960s, with a galvanized adventuresome spirit, he engages the support of his former colleagues (past member of Germany’s premiere large ensemble, from January 2010 to December 2013) highlighting his unrivaled ensemble writing and incomparable playing on his latest offering, Always Forward.

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About the Album

Gilkes’ second recording as a leader with the WDR Big Band proves to be another step forward in the evolution of Gilkes career not only as a performer, but also in the depth of his writing. His penchant for swinging jazz is evident from the onslaught, but what also reveals itself is his mastery of the classically influenced idiom in this writing.  Always Forward offers a modern sound, a muscularity to its approach and a depth of swing felt even in the most pedigreed listener.  Each composition is equally magnificent as the last.  There is not a fluff track in the mix, making for a highly enjoyable experience

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Our Favorite Track

“Puddle Jumping” is based in a clave feel, varying from 7/4 to 4/4, all the while highlighting Gilkes facility with huge intervallic sweeps and an equally unrivaled warm and round tone.  Gilkes sites his style is not from listening to countless trombonists before him, but by copiously studying the technique of the late saxophonist Michael Brecker.  It is in this unorthodoxy that Gilkes developed his unique sound, which is front and center on this swinging tune.

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In Conclusion

Gilkes once again has constructed a masterpiece of lasting enjoyment.  What makes a release stand head and shoulders above the sea of releases these days is not only well articulated ideas and top-shelf playing, but a depth within the writing that resonates beyond the usual ideals. Gilkes steps forward and fulfills that role with his modernisms of writing and harmonic treatments of mainstay standards.  His arrangements give a freshened listen, while his originals inspire and engage.