Calafia

by Scott YanowGerald Wilson's big band recordings were always quite consistent, featuring his distinctive arrangements and some of Los Angeles' top hard bop soloists of the era. His orchestra of the 1980s recorded four albums for Discovery and Trend. Most notable on this LP (not yet reissued on CD) are "Calafia," "3/4 For Mayor Tom (Bradley)" and a remake of his hit "Viva Tirado," here called "Viva Tirado '85." Among the key soloists are the tenors of Ernie Watts and Harold Land, trombonist Buster Cooper, guitarist Anthony Wilson (Gerald's son, heard in one of his first recordings), trumpeter Oscar Brashear and pianist Milcho Leviev. A fine, underrated effort.