Review of “REED REFLECTIONS” by Joe Lang, for Jersey Jazz, May 2014
A very different jazz trio is to be found on Reed Reflections (Gut String Records – 016). The artists are the PETER AND WILL ANDERSON TRIO featuring ALEX WINTZ. Peter Anderson plays tenor sax and clarinet, his brother Will is on alto sax and clarinet, while Alex Wintz is a guitarist. They make wonderful and fascinating music together. The bothers Anderson play with a maturity beyond their years. They take well known and much performed tunes like “Begin the Beguine,” “My Heart Stood Still,” “Willow Weep for Me,” “Cherokee,” “Yesterdays,” “It’s All Right with Me,” “Tea for Two,” “In a Sentimental Mood” and “What Is This Thing Called Love,” and reconceive them, often making use of counterpoint in ways reminiscent of the early Gerry Mulligan groups. Wintz, a native of Morristown, has the job of providing rhythmic support, something that he handles with aplomb, while also contributing occasional sparkling solo work. The three other selections are each unique. “Bud on Bach” is a completely original take on Bud Powell’s “Bud on Bach,” a jazzy taste of the Baroque. “Reed Reflections” is an original piece written for the Andersons by Kyle Athayde that nudges them in a Third Stream direction. The music of Thelonious Monk is always a challenge, and their take on “Bye-Ya” is fresh and exhilarating. Actually those words can apply across the board for the music found on Reed Reflections. (peterandwillanderson.com)