A Gerald Wilson Lesson

Regarding Bill Kohlhaase’s Gerald Wilson review (“Fine Jazz, History Lessons From Gerald Wilson, Band,” Nov. 29). I couldn’t agree more with the favorable review, but I just had to comment on a couple of things. Since I am an avid fan of Gerald Wilson and have followed his career for a number of years, I must defend Wilson’s statement that he introduced the music of the bullring to jazz. I believe what he means is that he is one of, if not the one, to introduce his own compositions influenced specifically by the world of the Taurine.

When Davis and Evans recorded “Sketches of Spain,” these were originally pieces written by Spanish composers Joaquin Rodrigo and Manual De Falla. What Davis and Evans provided for jazz was, perhaps, an introduction to the musical stylings of Spain in general (not the bullring). Wilson’s composition “Carlos,” on the other hand, is his own experience in that world of the matador. Wilson gives us the majestic presence of Carlos Aruza, the famous matador, whom he met and saw in the spectacle of the bullfight itself.

In the long run, it’s neither here nor there when you come down to it. Kohlhaase sums it up in stating that Wilson is definitely an innovator and a major figure in jazz. If not commercially, at least, hopefully, it is hoped, thanks to Kohlhaase and writers like him, the word will get out and Wilson won’t have to educate us himself.

SOL YACOBY

Canoga Park