"Trumpet Player" stands in contrast to the other vocal piece on the disc, "Funkier than a Mosquita's Tweeter" by Ailene Bullock. This is a rambunctious funk/jazz fusion piece which takes on the attitudes of men who pretend to be free so they can take advantage of women. As the lyrics challenge men who extol the virtues of free love so they can get into a woman's pants, the music echoes the scorn Dee Alexander, the vocalist has for the man's hypocrisy. Here Corey's trumpet playing is shrill and harsh, but in the context of the song it makes perfect sense and sounds exactly right.
While none of the other songs have lyrics to act as a guide through the music, Corey Wilkes' compositions and arrangements are such that we can find our own way through the pieces. His trumpet, or flugelhorn, is our guide. Like Pied Piper of Bremen, he leads us through the various landscapes of his musical creations. Like the stirring resonance of a bugle sounding the charge or the gentle breath of wind through leaves, the sounds he generates are able to stir and calm our emotions. Yet no matter how he plays; soft, loud, fast, or slow, he holds our attention with the intricacies of his playing. Even when he is playing loud and shrill, he introduces cadences or phrasings that prevent the sound from becoming tedious or atonal.
As with any recording, I can't help but have a favourite cut on this disc, and in this case the live version of the title song "Drop It" takes that honour. For sheer exuberance, I don't know if I've ever had as much fun listening to a jazz tune. I don't seem to be alone in that sentiment, because Corey and his band have sure swept the listening crowd off their feet, as they are whooping and hollering with pleasure and excitement. You also get to hear Corey really cut loose on his horns during this track, and I don't think I've ever heard a freer, or more joyful sound, than the music he generates during his solos. His playing on this track is as much a celebration of being alive, as any Gospel track you'll hear is a celebration of the Lord.
Jazz music might sometimes sound like a language you don't understand, and perhaps you still won't understand the entire vocabulary, I know I don't, but as long as there are musicians like Corey Wilkes out there playing, you should have no problem understanding enough of what's being said to have a truly uplifting experience. Corey Wilkes' CD Drop It is one of the most exciting and exhilarating recordings, in any style or genre, that I've heard in years. Do yourself a favour and buy a ticket on the ride that he's offering, you won't regret it.
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