Another album among 2026’s top releases, this is new from US saxophonist and flautist Steve Wilson.
Issuing label Smoke Sessions – an offshoot of a New York club – quotes Wilson who describes what he has in mind here: “I wanted to put some music out there that people can connect with, no matter what kind of music they like.”
That common sense approach is magnified by the quality of the playing and directness of the style. Shaped around a re-examination of balladry the album certainly benefits from the superb touch of pianist Renee Rosnes at its harmonic heart. Vibraphonist Joe Locke adds decorative touches and the beat is steady as a rock from Wilson’s fellow Maria Schneider Orchestra bandmate Jay Anderson. On drums Kendrick Scott is nimble and delivers a good deal of impact. Unusually there is a bit of French horn fed in played by Kevin Newton.
I think I liked the take on Quincy Jones’ ‘Eyes of Love’ and the version of Milton Nascimento’s ‘Francisco’ most. Gil Bernal crooned the song that belonged to 1960s Robert Wagner, Jill St John and Gene Hackman starring movie, Banning. But really it’s the sort of album you just play from beginning to end beyond cherry picking one or two pieces.
“Sonance” in the title the label says connects with Jackie McLean’s 1962 album A Fickle Sonance.
Wilson has played with Rosnes – who has arranged the album’s music – extensively, going back to a band Blue Note put together called Out of the Blue. The album also includes a pulsating treatment of Billy Childs’ ‘Quiet Girl.’ Wilson played on a number of Childs’ albums. Conceptually strong, full of consummate playing and full of life, Enduring Sonance is a must.