If the second solo album by young American pianist John Wilson had a title, it might well be “Virtuoso,” for that description permeates John’s musical selections as well as his dynamic interpretations. John follows in the footsteps of previous pianistic giants Sergei Rachmaninoff, George Gershwin and Earl Wild, all of whom have contributions on this new release – indeed the pedigree of these composer-arranger-pianists runs through John’s musical DNA. One of the first pieces John learned was Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the work with which Earl Wild made a spectacular debut with Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra, a live broadcast that made front page news. Wild’s renowned re-workings of Gershwin’s music for the stage is represented here by the Fantasy on ‘Porgy and Bess’, alongside Gershwin’s own Three Preludes for solo piano. Wild also turned his hand to solo piano arrangements of Rachmaninoff’s soulful songs which John feels a close affinity for thanks to his frequent collaborations with singers.

This follow-up to John’s acclaimed recent solo debut, Upon Further Reflection which features music of his mentor Michael Tilson Thomas, Aaron Copland, and Earl Wild arrangements of George Gershwin songs, is a stellar showcase for a vibrant young musician with his star rapidly in the ascendent.