Groundless Apprehensions is the impressive debut album of jazz guitarist Sam Wilson. The record highlights the work of Wilson—25—as she collaborates with an ensemble of seasoned Halifax-based players, with Andrew Jackson (Trombone), Paul Tynan (Trumpet), Tom Roach (Drums), and Matt MacLennan (Bass) rounding out the group.
Wilson, who produced the record, graduated from the jazz program at St FX and credits it with easing her integration into the Halifax jazz scene.
“Paul Tynan assisted with the production once we got into the studio. He has a lot of experience and filled in the gaps when I hesitated to make decisions.,” says Wilson, “When I decided to move to the city I already knew some musicians who lived and played around, which helped with the transition.”
The work presented is rich in variety, with an abundance of brass leads. It could misdirect the listener of an isolated track into thinking the guitar has ceded too much ground for a protagonist, but that’s not the case. As a whole the record is balanced and makes creative use of possible instrument combinations.
“When I am writing for a full band I start on the piano,” Says Wilson. “Then, once I find an idea through improvisation, I use theory to help evolve the piece into something complete.”
The absence of an additional chord instrument makes room for the horns to take up backing harmony, and this is used to great effect. Often times it is Wilson’s guitar that marks the chord changes with rich voicing, satisfying motion, and a strong vocabulary. At times the guitar simply isn’t there, creating a vacuum that begs for its return. Very satisfying.
The fifth track, “Eclipse,” is perhaps the best example of instrumental balance. It opens with a jungle-flavoured bass and drum intro that is pure beat—then introduces layers of modernism leading into the records richest solo section. Here, Wilson’s improvisation skill shines as the backing rhythm makes it unlikely to solo on a grid. She navigates the changes with graceful rhythm play and some truly inspired runs. When she isn’t taking the lead her comping flexes the conventions of guitar sound, at times coloured more like vibes or e-piano. “Eclipse” is an easy favourite.
The titular “Groundless Apprehensions” is the record’s one solo guitar piece, and there are some strong motifs in here. The establishing intro themes are remarkable and make you wish they were explored further.
In “A Tune for You” guitar and trumpet join in unison to bring great timbre to the head, and a feverish rhythm variation into 6/8 defies listener expectations in the best way.
“Riverside Waves” closes the record with a conventional—almost pop backdrop which is quickly challenged with just the right amount of tension and angularity.
It is somewhat of a challenge to resist hyperbole when presented with a record like Groundless Apprehensions. With early steps this well formed, what will the rest of Sam Wilson’s journey sound like?