JMU jazz, alive and well
by Mike Crowley / contributing writer
For those of you who think jazz is dead, head downtown any Wednesday
or Friday to let the Sam Wilson trio prove you wrong.
This highly improvisational group of gifted young musicians has
been building a name for themselves the last three years playing
a steady weekly gig. Maintaining the original personnel — of
Rob Byers on drums, Kendall Eddy on bass, and Sam Wilson on guitar
— has enabled the group to progress as a whole and attack a
more advanced repertoire recently.
The three JMU senior music majors made their start playing a wide
array of jazz standards and also a few modern-day instrumentals
by such bands as Phish, Pink Floyd and Radiohead.
Although the name might imply that the spotlight is on Wilson, in
fact, Eddy and Byers both have significant roles in the creation
of new music. The trio performs a number of co-authored original
modern jazz numbers.
The originals are impeccably crafted instrumentals that reflect
the background of the band's studies in bebop and classic jazz
but also incorporate fresh new ideas and techniques of their own.
In the true spirit of jazz, the band stays true to their musical
integrity. "We try to play traditional standards and newer
originals," Wilson said.
At a typical show, one can experience a number of musical acrobatics
from just feet away. Wilson's fingers race across the fretboard
as Eddy drives the beat into a higher plateau of intensity, complimented
by Byers' light cymbal work and energetic drumming. It's
a true feast to the senses. Everything created is the product of
spontaneous rushes of energy and inspiration that never seem to
dry up.
The band frequently has shared the stage with gifted JMU music professors
David Borgo and Dave Pope and have also shared material.
"These guys are the best around right now, but I don't
think they get the exposure that they deserve," sophomore Arris
Gause said.
Modestly appreciative, the trio explained that staying true to their
musical foundations and making music with no agenda of commercial
success in mind is what is really important.
Wilson, Eddy and Byers graduate this May with plans to move on to
bigger and better things in the evolutionary fashion that they have
been following. The long-term future of the band seems bright as
graduate school and recording sessions are in its immediate plans.
The Sam Wilson Trio performs Wednesday nights at Dave's Taverna
and Friday nights at Calhoun's.
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