Joe WIlder - Alone with Just My Dreams (Evening Star, 1991)

 

Joe Wilder, trumpet

Remo Palmier, guitar

James WIlliams, piano

Jay Leonhart, bass

Sherman Ferguson, drums

Recorded August 6 & 7, 1991

BMG Studio B, NYC

Engineer: Paul Goodman

Joe Wilder's Alone with Just My Dreams launched the Evening Star record label in 1992. Benny Carter was executive producer and cofounder of the label, which helped to revive and prolong the careers and music of older musicians who had paid their dues in the big bands of the 1940s. Leaders like Wilder were able to play old timey music with modern recording equipment and production. Often such efforts serve to expose the weaknesses in older musicians, but Wilder rose to the occasion to lead one of my favorite albums of the 1990s.

The key to the success of Alone with Just My Dreams is Wilder's gorgeous tone and phrasing. He has a warm sound whether playing with a mute or open horn. The lack of any "burners" in the program certainly helps him to control the tone, but the point of this date is not to show off. In fact, two of the most engaging pieces on the album are romantic ballads: "What a Wonderful World" and "Answer Me, My Love."

While Wilder provides the beauty, most of the excitement on the album is provided by James Williams at the piano. His expansive command of the keyboard is a fascinating complement to Wilder's stately ruminations. Williams' presence gives the recording a modern feel without compromising the leader's traditional style. 

Williams was 30 years younger than Wilder but sadly died in 2004, ten years before Wilder did. Williams' own recording legacy is a strong one, particularly his Magical Trio albums and his wonderful contributions to two Art Farmer records on Contemporary: Ph.D. and Blame It on My Youth.

Guitarist Remo Palmier was a contemporary of Wilder, born one year after the trumpet player. He led a few albums including a couple of Concords in the 1970s but mainly was a section man in larger groups. His traditional style and single note runs add grace and dignity to Alone with Just My Dreams.