Search - Jessica Williams :: Some Ballads Some Blues

Still Sweet and Lovely

Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 05/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jessica Williams has had various side men over the decades. In 1999, she had the support of Dave Captein on bass and Mel Brown on drums. Together they made a delightful recording that had received praise at the time. The rhythm section takes only a supporting role, remaining unobtrusive in the background but pushing the blues forward. The album still holds up as one of William's better albums, consistent in its musicianship with an interesting selection of romantic covers and original tunes. I particularly appreciate her composition Mr. Johnson as an excellent example of her art. Williams at the time liked to mix many arpeggios with chords, and as she had a bass, she focused on the treble, but in this piece, all musicians and all elements are in perfect dynamic balance with no runs and with emphasis on the notes of the dark blues, minor/major transitions, and strong rhythms. The CD, originally on William's own Red & Blue records, is now available on Jazz Focus."