From the calendar of the Bach Dynamite and Dancing Society, May 15, 2005

(This concert received a standing ovation)

"The San Francisco ChamberJazz Quartet, also featuring Serge Podovedov, concert pianist from the London Royal college of music...following this will be Gini Wilson; The Duchess , known for creative inprovising, combining elements of Jazz and Classical Music. Together with co-conspirator, Steve Heckman jazz saxophonist, they have produced a rare gem on their recording The Crossing Point.. This is a rare opportunity at the Bach to experience "Jazz meets the Classics."

Review: Redwood Coast Whale and Jazz Festival, April 2, 2005

(This concert received a standing ovation)

At Gualala Art Center Saturday night a packed house enthusiastically swayed and foot-tapped along to the Main Event (featuring The San Francisco ChamberJazz Quartet) of this year’s Redwood Coast Whale and Jazz Festival. A little repartee by Gini Wilson, “The Duchess”, pianist and director of the quartet, quickly brought the audience into partnership with the cheerful excitement of the performance. The opening number “Mountain Path/Mountain Meadow” used multiple changes of tempo to get pulses moving. The was followed by “ Let it Rain” by bassist Pat Klobas, turning the dark and varied beats of a storm into music. By that time the crowd also had an appreciation for the gifts of Steve Heckman on reeds ( saxophone and clarinet) and Ron Marabuto, drums, and later number gave each a chance to really show his stuff. The Duchess also displayed both her brilliant piano, and her winsome chanteuse voice and witty rhymes in the lyrics in her own song, “Lucky Monkey Man.”..

Wilson then introduced her composition “Satie in the Sahara” saying that they took Eric Satie’s music out for drinks, kept it out late. The result was eerie, evocative; a journey. ...they were later joined by other performers. ( Tommy Kesecker on vibes, and Kenny Washington, vocals). All were able to do the “whole is greater than the sum of the parts” trick. ... Watching the SFCJQ was impressive ... the effect was haunting, sad, funny, seductive - often in rapid succession. The whole sextette played a rousing finish with “The A Train” but the crowd’s enthusiasm at last convinced them to give one more ride, with “Centerpiece”... And at the end of the evening the crowd was happily tired, and satisfied." Independant Coast Observer, April 8, 2005

"With her effortless technique and thorough knowledge of the classic piano literature of both Europe and America, Gini Wilson joins the noble tradition of George Shearing, Lenny Tristano and Bill Evans in merging the best of 'classical ' music with the best of jazz." Grover Sales, Jazz Critic

“Now we're in the Plush Room, where Gini "The Duchess" Wilson played the other night to a full house. She couldn't wait to show off her gold lamé pumps as she sat at the piano. "I borrowed them from Dame Edna," she announced. She launched into a piece by J.S. Bach that had been blended into Thelonious Monk, with the S.F. ChamberJazz Quartet: Steve Heckman on sax ...Paul Breslin on bass, Ron Marabuto on drums ... Gini had her way with Eric Satie, as well. "We call this number 'Satie in the Sahara,' " she grinned girlishly. "We muddled it, corrupted it and took it out for drinks." ... Heckman is also one heck of a composer. As the quartet played his "Tango d'Amour Perdu," The Duchess warned, "People who have never met tend to run away with each other before we're finished." ... Bruce Bellingham, San Francisco Examiner

With amazing grace, sensitivity and professionalism Gini Wilson entertained a somewhat shell shocked audience the Sunday after September 11th. We had scheduled a Jazz concert on Angel Island and Gini Wilson gave a heartwarming walk through a musical history of jazz, with humour and brilliance. The audience felt lifted for an hour to another place where creativity was king and life and laughter could continue. Thank you Gini. ... Surrey Blackburn, Executive Director, Angel Island Assocation