Label: Storyville
CD issued in 1998
Jazz
This CD is one of a handful by Mary Lou Williams finally appearing in "record" bins. Here's Mary Lou at age 69 and at the height of her powers (despite, as we're told by biographer Linda Dahl, physical ailments and a recent diagnosis of cancer). Also on board were Milton Suggs, bass, and Drashear Khalid, drums (brushes on all but one cut).
Billy Taylor has often said of Mary Lou Williams that "she has the most consistent way of swinging" and that was never more true than on this album. The menu is all standards (listed below*), infused with creativity and power. The opening "Autumn Leaves" is worth the price of admission, with intriguing substitutions, wonderfully percussive stabbed chords, intense swing and a surprise ending. Plus a great bass solo. Other stand-outs are a waltz version of "My Funny Valentine" and Billy Taylor's minor blues "A Grand Night for Swinging", where Mary Lou goes from intricate to gut bucket.
The album boasts great solos throughout, though Khalid only gets one. There are a few moments where the trio's out of synch or the pianist seems to slightly cut off a solo. Though I'm a fan of abrupt endings I thought that three out of thirteen was a bit too much. But overall there's great expression, creativity and energy here. It's just another piece of evidence that Mary Lou Williams deserves greater recognition as a pianist. Period (not just female pianist as she's often described).
By Bob Jacobson.
**
With relatively few recordings of Mary Lou Williams from the latter years of her life, the discovery of a previously unreleased live date is a joy. There are many highlights: her peppy take on "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," her very first recording of "Without a Song," and her bluesy classic "What's Your Story Morning Glory." A furious "Caravan" is followed by a lengthy exploration of Billy Taylor's "A Grand Night for Swinging," as indeed it was for the trio heard that night in 1979 in Chicago. Bassist Milton Suggs shows off his chops on the opener "Autumn Leaves," while drummer Drashear Khalid proves to be an impeccable timekeeper.
By Ken Dryden.
**
Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981) was first known as the pianist and arranger of the famous Andy Kirk's Clouds of Joy,during the thirties.Born in Pittsburgh,May 8,1910,this exceptionnally talented musician could have remained in our minds as one of the top musicians of the pre-war Kansas City style, but she didn't.This immense Lady recorded during the fifities,sixties and seventies some rare but inestimable albums,some masterpieces in the difficult art of piano jazz.Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell learned a lot from her,and this recording shows where Ahmad Jamal comes from.Recorded in Chicago,at the Rick's Café,November 14,1979,this outstanding trio session shows Mary Lou in top form,playing with a Dukish modernity (at the same time,she recorded a duet album with Cecil Taylor at the Montreux Jazz Festival !!!!) and swinging through great standards.I urge you to listen to her, because she's one of the most talented jazz pianist ever,completely unclassable.The incredible modernity,ferocity and swing of her playing is amazing during the 13 tracks of this concert.A special mention for her versions of Duke Ellington's "the Jeep is jumping" and "Caravan",and for the rarely played "St James infirmary".Sixty seven minutes of very great music,played by one of jazz's greatest artists.
By JEAN-MARIE JUIF
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Mary Lou Williams- Piano ;
Milton Suggs- Bass ;
Drashear Khalid- Drums.
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01. Autumn Leaves (7:32)
02. I Can't Get Started (5:08)
03. You Can't Take That Away From Me (4:04)
04. Satin Doll (5:20)
05. The Jeep Is Jumping (4:02)
06. St. James Infirmary (5:53)
07. Surrey With The Fringe On Top (3:00)
08. My Funny Valentine (5:08)
09. Mack The Knife (3:38)
10. What's Your Story Morning Glory (2:54)
11. Without A Song (6:58)
12. Caravan (4:41)
13. A Grand Night For Swinging (9:16)
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