Wind Power is the Anderson’s third album in the trio format, featuring the Parisian guitarist Felix Lemerle in his recording debut with Peter and Will. They’ve decided to showcase several iconic American works by their favorite composers, namely Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Rodgers’ “My Favorite Things,” from The Sound Of Music (1959), has, like many Rodgers’ hits, stood the test of time due to its singable diatonic melody, but Andersons drew inspiration from John Coltrane’s 1961 modal instrumental version, and fit it all into their trio. Also fitting well for the trio is their arrangement of George Gershwin’s “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” from one of the most groundbreaking musical productions in American history, Porgy and Bess.
Gershwin’s songs have been popular choices in jazz musicians’ repertoire for decades, but his most famous work, Rhapsody in Blue, is rarely performed in a jazz setting due to it’s complex form. The Andersons swinging trio version of the Gershwin masterpiece was partially influenced by Leroy Smith’s 1928 fox-trot version. Peter and Will depart from the Great American Songbook by offering their own rousing version of the classic piano piece, Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy, who’s music deeply influenced American composers; Ellington and Gershwin in particular. Horace Silver’s The Preacher is based on the chord structure of the 1925 English pop song “Show Me the Way to Go Home,” which Silver often used to end his concerts. Silver had a special ability to blend jazz, blues, R&B, and church hymns together seamlessly in his compositions.
Peter, Will, and Felix were lucky to spend 10 weeks performing together during a cross-country USA tour, Spring of 2018, in preparation for this recording. They sincerely want to thank Zac and Brent at Night Train Studios for going above and beyond and making the recording process so enjoyable. Peter and Will also want to thank their family for all of the support: Jim, Kathy, Jane, Halim, Teo, Serra, Rachel, and Tooban. Peter and Will endorse D’Addario woodwind products and Selmer saxophones. For more information and tour dates, visit www.PeterAndWillAnderson.com
Peter Anderson tenor saxophone & clarinet
Will Anderson alto saxophone, clarinet & flute
Felix Lemerle guitar
1. My Favorite Things 5:06
2. It Ain't Necessarily So 4:23
3. Rhapsody in Blue 5:25
4. Purple Gazelle 5:02
5. Clair De Lune 5:36
6. Chega De Saudade 4:44
7. The Preacher 4:11
8. Mood Indigo 4:50
9. Caravan 4:09
10. The Surrey with the Fringe on Top 4:11
11. Jitterbug Waltz 5:44
12. Moonglow 3:50
13. I Can't Give You Anything but Love 4:58
