Just released in January, guitarist Chip Wilson’s Chip Wilson and A Jumpin’ Somethin’ is a showcase of small combo 30s and 40s style jazz.
A New Orleanian for the past four years, Wilson has been a session player for George Porter, Leroy Preston from Asleep at the Wheel, and Maria Muldaur. He has played with practically everyone in town, including various Nevilles, Tommy Ridgely, Oliver Morgan, Rockin’ Jake, and many other Big Easy veterans. A Jumpin’ Somethin’ is also the name of Wilson’s own trio.
Here, Wilson sings, plays guitar, percussion (including vibes), and guitar synth. The self-produced record is peopled by New Orleans musicians lending a hand: Charles Neville, Mem Shannon, Michael Ray, and others. Wilson’s voice resembles that of John Pizzarelli. His guitar playing is reminiscent of the big band guitarists like Freddie Green, as well as Django Reinhardt.
Aside from standards “I’m Beginning the See the Light and “Colton Fields,” songs on this’ self-produced record are all cleverly written originals. Wilson’ opens with the swinging “Eat, Eat, Eat” about a woman who is the embodiment of the old joke about being on a “seefood” diet. Gumbo, Lucky Dogs, bread pudding-anything from New Orleans, she eats it and lots of it. Presumably, she has a good metabolism.
“Inappropriate Woman” is a minor key tune about the various kinds of jezebels awaiting unsuspecting men.
The record’s liner notes. describe “Hillin’ the Hot Sauce” as “Cissy Strut somehow collided with 7 Come 11.”On “Startin’ to Believe,” Wilson sings “I’m starting to believe Blind Lemon Jefferson wrote a song about this mess I’m in.”
Several songs use a swinging guitar and violin combination pioneered by Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Wilson’s musical interests seem most successful in swinging, uptempo instrumentals like these, sometimes called cafe jazz. Incidentally, Wilson plays regularly around town with guitarist Tony Green and Gypsy jazz. Green makes an appearance on this record.
Named after an Earl Hines instrumental, A Jumpin’ Somethin’ is a fine first recording of well-arranged originals from a talented musician who fits well into the lineage of New Orleans musics. Hear the band live in the very pleasant surroundings of the Columns Hotel on Wednesdays and Pierre Maspero’s Mambo Club on Saturdays.
