Spike Wilner - A Set of Originals (2026) [Hi-Res]

We've always loved Spike Wilner as a pianist, but this set's also a great reminder that he's a hell of a composer too – as all the tracks, save one, are originals by Wilner – and played by a strong quintet of all-stars from the Smalls club that he manages himself! The album's a brilliant testament to the kind of open, expressive, yet still-swinging jazz that Wilner's helped foster strongly over the past decade or so – and the group shines from work by Ryan Kisor on trumpet, Joel Frahm on tenor, Tyler Mitchell on bass, and Anthony Pinciotti on drums – musicians who definitely have a warm spirit that ties them together strongly. Some of these songs are really wonderful – tunes that are already tremendous, before the solos – which make them shine even more. Titles include "Iceberg Slim","Upasaka", "Trick Baby", "10th Street Rag", "La Tendresse", "Sasquatch", and "Stitch In Time".

Spike Wilner, piano
Ryan Kisor, trumpet
Joel Frahm, tenor saxophone
Tyler Mitchell, double bass
Anthony Pinciotti, drums

Recorded on July 21st, 2017 at GB’s Juke Joint, LIC NYC