Swing And Purpose
Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 02/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Let this wonderful recording serve as an
introduction to two of the finest ladies
to ever play piano. Mary Lou Williams is
one of the great pioneers who brought
Jazz through the Swing of the 1930s, the
Bop of the 1940s, and ever onwards. Geri
Allen is a fire-fingered dancer of the
88s who bridges Freedom and Groove into
newfound tempos and timeless rhapsodies
of the Here and Now.
One of Williams' most exemplary compositions,
THE ZODIAC SUITE, is the focus of this
exceptional excursion into the wonders of
Jazz trio.
Anyone who needs a clue concerning Allen's
mastery, or how Williams held her own amidst
the likes of Ellington and Gillespie, are
invited to park their ears right here! Allen,
bassist Buster Williams and drummer Billy
Hart(Andrew Cyrille on a couple of tracks),
glide and stride their way through this
most ambitious of Williams' original
presentations; bearing an enthusiasm
and vigor worthy of the Kansas City
swinger's own energetic performances.
This one smokes!
Most heartening is the flowing balance
struck by Allen and friends in strolling
this great composition into their turf.
Respecting the integrity of Williams'
genius, they embrace the work with
their own touch, investing The ZODIAC
SUITE (and other treats to be found
here) with a breathtaking originality
all their own.
In addition, Herbie Nichols enthusiasts
will be particularly pleased with Allen's
serenading rendition of "The BeBop Waltz"
here. Those who hold Allen's own writing
hand very dear will not be left adrift,
as her colorful, contemplative tribute
"Thank You Madam" demonstrates.
At all times, the pianist is prodigious
in her powerful, penetrating expression,
so full of song. No less incredulous
is the ever-swirling, ever-steady
Buster Williams, still among the prime
bassists to reckon with after 35 years
of walk and strut. Hart (Williams'
longtime tempo mate) and Cyrille bring
their own sweet histories to bear fresh
pages in the never-ending tale to be
told, extended, and held dear.
Those expecting a deadpan note-for-
note recreation a la Wynton Marsalis
will be sorely disappointed. No
museum mummery will be found here.
This is great Music, African American
expression rich in tradition, fresh
in conception, continuing to nourish
the world.
Listen to a vibrant joining of hands
here.
"
Superb Music
William Buell | Flagstaff, AZ United States | 02/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Geri Allen and friends' rendition of Mary Lou William's Zodiac Suite is not only superb jazz but is superb music of any genre.
Unlike Gershwin's concert music which sought to blend jazz and classical, William's "serious" music , like Ellington's, evolves organically within jazz itself.
The Allen recording is remarkable for its blending into a single unity the virtuosity of pianist, bassist, and drummer and for the faithful development of the composer's conception inthe performers' expression.
I received the CD in the mail yesterday and have already played it several times. I look forward to playing it again as soon as I finish typing this review."
History and Now in a Special Venue
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mary Lou Williams created the Zodiac Suite some 60 years ago, becoming famous for the intricacies of her extraordinary pianistic skills as well as for her seemingly never ending inventive jazz writing (if those two terms can be compatible!). The Zodiac Suite takes us through all twelve signs of the zodiac with special colorings and moods for each. Here the work is performed by a group known as the Mary Lou Williams Collective: astonishing fine pianist Geri Allen and her associates - Buster William on bass, and Billy Hart and Andrew Cyrille on drums (though the latter is heard only on the additional three works that flesh our this CD recital).
This is small group jazz at its finest - each soloist converses with the other in that special way known only to the best of jazz musicians. The Suite is spectacular and would suffice were it the only work on this CD. But as bonus, the Collective includes Herbie Nichols 'BeBop Waltz', Williams' 'Intermission', and last but certainly of special note, a work by current pianist Geri Allen called 'Thank You Madam', and there could not be a better way to bring the collection to a close! Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, June 06"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1