Rooted in a powerful real-life journey, The Vigil and The Sleeping Giant by Ron Wilkins and Rebecca Patterson delivers a thoughtful and well-crafted large-ensemble statement built primarily on compositions by the two leaders. Wilkins on trombone and Patterson on trombone and tuba lead a strong horn section that includes trumpeters Seneca Black, Alex Pope Norris, Freddie Hendrix, and Raul Agraz, along with saxophonists Aaron Heick, Ron Blake, Zac Zinger, and Carl Maraghi on baritone saxophone. The arrangements, shaped by Edward Neumeister, give the music a clear sense of structure and purpose, while the rhythm section—Mike King on piano, Jeff Barone on guitar, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Ray Marchica on drums—keeps things grounded and moving. Vocalists Chloe Holgate and Julie Benko add an extra layer of expression, helping to carry the album’s emotional weight without overstatement. The result is a direct and engaging project that balances personal meaning with strong ensemble playing.
