Richard Wyands Trio - Get Out Of Town (1997)

Largely overlooked by the critics in the ’50s and ’60s, Richard Wyands also was overshadowed in the eyes of the public by such more widely exposed pianists as Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, and Oscar Peterson. One might profitably compare his lot with that of Hank Jones, unquestionably a more well-known musician, but one who nevertheless also suffered the downside of consistency, dependability and flexibility. However, this 1996 trio date, the 68-year-old Wyands was joined by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, should help to correct this injustice.

The little-remembered “Angelica,” a calypso-based number that Ellington wrote for his 1962 quartet date with Coltrane, is a surprise entry among more familiar fare and should alert others to seek within the crevices for previously untapped sources of material. Other tunes on this ten-track program include “Yardbird Suite,” “Jitterbug Waltz,” “Gee, Baby Ain’t I Good to You?,” “Serenata,” Thad Jones’ “Mean What You Say,” and the charming Ivan Lins ballad, “Love Dance.” Unfairly neglected during his prime, Richard Wyands is a remarkably fine musician who still deserves all the attention he can get. Jack Sohmer