by Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz
There is a wealth of jazz talent who make their home base in the area of the Poconos. Someday (Dear head Records – 010) features the SKIP & DAN WILKINS QUARTET with Skip Wilkins on piano, Dan Wilkins on tenor sax, Tony Marino on bass and Bill Goodwin on drums. These cats are frequently seen in the groups that perform at the Deer Head Inn; in fact Skip Wilkins and Bill Goodwin live at the Deer Head Inn. It is not surprising that the group on this recording is a nicely cohesive unit. Dan Wilkins is a tenor player with an old school sound and approach. His father, Skip Wilkins, is a joy to hear, tasteful and swinging. Marino and Goodwin lay down a perfect rhythmic bed. The program is an interesting one. None of the tunes is over done. “Spring Isn’t Spring Anymore,” a gem from Matt Dennis, and another wonderful song by Alec Wilder and Johnny Mercer, “If Someday Ever Comes Again,” are rarely heard. These gentlemen have chosen their material wisely, and play it with exquisite taste. (www.deerheadinn.com)