Search - Jessica Williams :: Gratitude

Great, powerful, fun playing

J. C. Kadyk | 04/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jessica Williams, contrary to another review posted here, is a WONDERFUL solo pianist--energy, imagination, verve, and highly-developed musicmanship.I say this as a professional pianist in Atlanta, with 10 CDs of my own out in the market. Jessica's playing here is strong and powerful, fun to listen to--and I always find many things that I wish I could play nearly as well.If you like non-restrictive solo piano--that is--playing that transcends narrow stylistic limits--then you'll like Jessica Williams, and this album."

Differences of opinion

J. C. Kadyk | 07/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ouch! The posted reviews of Gratitude prove that the stronger the music, the more diverse the opinions created. I'm a big Jessica Williams fan, both of her trio and solo work (and if you can find it, check out her playing with Patty Waters on the Jazz Focus CD Love Songs--she's an amazing accompianist). Gratitude is one of my favorite CD's of Jessica's solo work, and that's saying a lot. She does get deep into each tune, and I can understand that some people may not yet have the ears to follow where she goes; but to say that she doesn't respect the form and melody of the original tune is just wrong. Perhaps her style isn't for everybody; or perhaps some listeners aren't ready for her. But Jessica Williams has both loads of technique and a deep "spiritual" approach to the music."

Wonderful album

J. C. Kadyk | Oakland, CA | 04/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm amazed that others could not like this album. Everyone has their own taste, as others have noted here, but if you know and like solo jazz piano, I don't get why you wouldn't love this CD. I'd definitely put it up there with my favorite stuff from Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Chucho Valdes. I heard "The Sheik" from this album on the radio and bought the CD, and am very happy with it. It's true that Jessica delights in certain techniques, but she does them so well that I delight in them too. She explores coherently, tastefully, imaginatively and soulfully."