One of the Greats
Linda L. Underhill | Wellsville, NY United States | 01/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Prepare to be dazzled by an artist at the height of her powers. Jessica Williams brings to the keyboard a prodigious technique, an unerring sense of rhythm, inventive phrasing, and a knowledge of musical history--in short, everything required to master the art of improvisation. On "All Alone" she explores a world of different moods, from playful to pensive, as she interprets tunes like "In a Sentimental Mood," "As Time Goes By," and "Don't Explain." Then she cooks on her own compositions, "The Sheikh," and "The Quilt." Williams also has an uncanny way of evoking her musical mentors in original compositions like "Bill's Beauty" for Bill Evans, and "Toshiko" for Toshiko Akiyoshi. She even recalls the beloved John Coltrane in "They Say It's Wonderful" and "Too Young to Go Steady," songs he also recorded to which she adds new dimensions. If you like piano jazz, you will love this recording. Jessica Williams proves she is All Alone in a class by herself--one of the great artists of the keyboard."