Charles Dee “Hurl” Wilson (July 31, 1948 – October 16, 2018) was an American jazz alto saxophonist.
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Wilson began playing saxophone at age 11, and led his own trio while still in high school. He attended North Texas State University and spent much of his career in various big band ensembles.
He was with Jerry Gray at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas around 1972, and following the leader's death in 1976, he played with Buddy Rich from 1977 to 1980. He did much studio work in New York City in the 1980s, on clarinet and flute in addition to saxophone. He played with Tito Puente in 1980–81, Gerry Mulligan from 1981 to 1989, Bob Wilber (1983), Loren Schoenberg (1984), Benny Goodman's last ensemble (1985–86), Buck Clayton (1986–90), and Walt Levinsky. He was with Howard Alden and Dan Barrett's quintet (also known as ABQ) from 1985 to 1991.
The ABQ played often at clubs in and around NYC and at jazz events around the country. In their heyday, they traveled to England, Ireland, and Europe, and recorded two CDs for Concord Records (and one for Arbors Records).
After 1996 he led Chuck Wilson and Friends with Alden, Murray Wall, and Joel Helleny. In recent years he could often be heard sitting in with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks and the EarRegulars, with Corin Stiggall and Carol Morgan. In August 2016 he played with Terry Waldo’s Gotham City Band.
Chuck was also an active member of the AAA Astrophotography group, and often met up with friends at various photo expeditions in Central Park, Jenny Jump or North South Lake. Early in 2018 Chuck was being treated for various problems but continued to go to the meetings until June after which, due to various medical procedures, he could not attend.
Chuck Wilson died on October 16, 2018 at the age of 70 in New York City while waiting for a liver transplant, he was 70 years old.
(Scant information edited from Wikipedia & aaa.org)
Here’s "Diga Diga Doo" by Terry Waldo's Gotham City Band. Terry Waldo, piano / leader; Chuck Wilson, alto saxophone; Jim Fryer, trombone; Jay Leonhart, string bass; Jay Lepley, drums. Recorded on Sunday, August 14, 2016, at Fat Cat (75 Christopher Street) by Michael Steinman for Jazz Lives.
Here’s Chucks only album as leader.
ReplyDeleteFor “Chuck Wilson – Echo Of Spring (2010 Arbors)” go here:
https://www.imagenetz.de/izKRV
1. You And The Night And The Music 6:13
2. On A Misty Night 7:08
3. Echo Of Spring 3:44
4. Caliso 6:18
5. Caminhos Cruzados 4:06
6. Isfahan 5:29
7. The Joker 7:49
8. Turnaround 7:11
9. The Breeze And I 4:38
10. The Blessing 7:29
11. Upper Manhatten Medical Group 5:09
12. Goodbye 6:47
Alto Flute – Diva Goodfriend-Koven (tracks: 3)
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Chuck Wilson
Bass – Murray Wall
Drums – Tom Melito
Guitar – Howard Alden
Trombone – Joel Helleny
Though he has worked as a leader on gigs, this is his belated recording debut as a leader. Calling upon several old friends for the session including Alden, trombonist Joel Helleny, bassist Murray Wall, and drummer Tom Melito, Wilson's soft-spoken alto sax doesn't dominate the proceedings, but more or less engages his fellow instrumentalists. Wilson's choice of repertoire is wide-ranging, including standards, both timeless and neglected jazz works, plus Brazilian music. Wilson channels alto sax great Johnny Hodges with his performances of two pieces from the vast Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn songbook: ''Isfahan'' and ''U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group),'' both featuring Alden's intricate solos, the latter Helleny's sassy trombone. His choice of two Lee Morgan songs is inspired; the enchanting calypso ''Caliso'' and easygoing hard bop gem ''The Joker.'' He switches to clarinet to play Harlem stride pianist Willie ''The Lion'' Smith's ''Echo of Spring'' (with Alden playing a convincing stride line on his seven-string electric guitar), with guest alto flautist Diva Goodfriend-Koven adding a harmony line. Wilson remains on clarinet for a playful setting of Ornette Coleman's twisted blues ''Turnaround.'' Chuck Wilson's long overdue debut CD should provoke future record dates for the veteran reedman.
All Music Review by Ken Dryden