Wild Fire
Wilbur Whitta
ABC Jazz
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Pianist Wilbur Whitta has an impressive pedigree. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, he has performed extensively around Australia, the UK, Europe and Japan alongside artists of international acclaim such as Kit Downes and Will Vinson. On his debut release with his band Wildfire, Whitta intuits the chaos and combat ahead of the impacts of climate change, natural disasters and displaced persons.
Gathering three highly accomplished young improvisers, Thomas Avgenicos (trumpet), Jack Stoneham (alto sax) and drummer Alexander Inman-Hislop, Whitta, through his unique and distinctive compositions, gives a unique voice to the planet under our feet. Outstanding tracks include Home and Not Interested. The former is a testament written for refugees seeking life in a new country that features some exciting playing from the horns and piano. The latter emanates inspiration from the delay in addressing the impact of climate change and on this track, all four players shine luminously in a default setting of dashing forward motion with piano and horns in hot pursuit of each other, underpinned by a varied but compelling beat.
Whitta’s left-hand facility means the absence of a bassist is never really felt. This recording is an exhilarating set with blue-chip collaborators on a heart-felt concept album with themes that the pianist holds close to his heart.
– Barry O’Sullivan
Listen to the interview of Wilbur Whitta in A Jazz Hour presented by Barry O’Sullivan