A Voyage Into Jazz
Marty Nickison II | Austintown, OH | 07/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a musician, you can do one of three things:
1. Follow the music as it takes you to new places
2. Command the music to take the listener where you want them to go
3. Dialog with the music and see where you go
While many musicians live in world #2, some follow #1. Jessica is an accomplished pianist that can do #3, something you don't see much anymore.
When I listen to this album, there are references to so many masters and so many 'snippets'--as Dr. Taylor is a fan of most music styles. Fits perfectly in all aspects, I will say.
The sound quality is great, but not the best sounding Jessica you can find. Look at her "Live At Yoshi's" series for spine-binding sound quality. However, you can tell Jess is a stickler for sound quality as this beats most piano recordings I have heard in terms of breath and sound quality.
Purchase this recording if you like traditional jazz solo piano (ala Erroll Garner, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, or Mary Lou Williams) and just want to sip some fine wine and let the music conversation speak to what is inside you."
Magical solo recital
Oldnslow | Seattle, Washington USA | 02/08/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have listened to a lot of Jessica Williams over the years, and she just seems to get better and better. This solo recital in tribute to Billy Taylor is simply superb. Wonderful compositions, beautiful improvisations, great sound. One of her best CDs in my opinion. Jessica Williams has her own completely unique approach to jazz piano, something very very difficult to develop given the history of the instrument. In just a few bars one recognizes that it is Williams, and no one else, playing. She has a unique touch and style. Very few jazz pianists reach this status. Highest recommendation."
She's in touch
minor white | usa | 08/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"the lady understands touch - how to, and how much -
she's transparent, like her musical style...one can
drift thru the various rooms in this historical
mansion we call jazz music, and feel the personal
contributions of Ms. Williams - and the homage."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1