Gerald Wiggins - Swingin' with Wig. Classic Trio Sessions 1956-1957 (Remastered) (2023)

Gerald Wiggins (1922-2008), also known as Jerry Wiggins or affectionately as “Wig,” was a long-respected but often overlooked jazz pianist. He greatly esteemed for his accompaniment work with luminaries like Lena Horne, Helen Humes, and Kay Starr, rather than his substantial jazz prowess. Being an exceptional accompanist for singers required the sort of sensitivity, the type of warm and helpful personality, the courage to sublimate that personality momentarily in the interests of a good performance.

He was the kind of jazz musician who is unspectacular, who was not a brash innovator nor in any sense a flamboyant character. Yet it was musicians like him who provide the great body of jazz music with its virtues.

His idol was Art Tatum, and he held a strong affection for both Teddy Wilson and Oscar Peterson. His playing also resonates with echoes of modernists and stylists, including Erroll Garner and Duke Ellington.

His variety of jobs in the profession ranged from accompanying singers to playing in big bands, including those of Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Gerald Wilson, Jerry Fielding, and Harry James. Wiggins showcased his versatility in trio and solo performances in small clubs, leaving his mark on various recording dates in different roles. This is precisely the sort of jazz musician Gerald Wiggins was.

The essence of Wiggins’ music lies in its powerful swing, infused with sensitivity and a delightful sense of fun. These Trio Sessions from 1956-1957, aim to spark a broader appreciation for Wiggins’ talent, offering jazz for every emotion, mood, degree of concentration, and listening preference, inviting listeners on an enjoyable musical journey.

—Jordi Pujol