Rob Wagner

[Il Anto]

Anyone ever hear of this guy?

My girlfriend recently returned from New Orleans and brought back his self-titled debut album from 2001 - Rob Wagner Trio.

He played at the Jazzfest and regularly plays at Dragon's Den over on Espanade, I believe.

He has very clean, meaty acrobatic chops like Michael Brecker. But what I like about it is how he simultaneously plays the tenor and soprano by using some very creative voicings. Playing all his own compositions, he consistently experiments with song form and style - e.g. the album opens with a dirge intro, which segues into a fast tempo'd soul-jazz tune.

As a tenor/sop-bass-drums trio, they play very well together creating a dense space with plenty of conversational play between the musicians.

I just wish Wagner would take more risks with his playing and create more inflection and color with the tenor.

But I shouldn't get too down on his playing, it really is a joy to listen to. Check it out.

[Capt.W./TX.]

I have the CD. Nice!

I bought it because I know the bassist, Jim Singleton. We've played together a few times (the first time was with the late Al Hirt!).

[Il Anto]

Cool. Yeah, Singleton sounds great on the recording. Captain, have you ever seen Wagner live? I'm curious if he does anything different in his sets.

[Noj]