Another gem from Jessica Williams
Blue Rondo a la Turk | California USA | 05/29/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you have never heard her live, either solo or with her trio, you are missing an incredible event. While she has her own unique, very creative and melodic stylings they are all wrapped deep in her knowledge of the music of the masters, Ellington, Miles, etc. This Side Up is (I think) the third CD for the Max Jazz "Piano Series" and her first for this label after recording much on her own label. The Max Jazz releases are all immaculately produced and photographed, with Jimmy Katz's great black and white photos. If you like (for example) Keith Jarrett's standards trio and Bill Evans you will enjoy this CD very much."
Preliminary to Greatness
Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 05/10/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This Side Up is the predecessor to the outstanding Live at Yoshi's volumes. While the solo Williams is an inner meditative explorer, she swings outside in trio mode, here with Ray Drummond, bass, and Victor Lewis, drums. As in all well-matched trios, there is synergy and good interplay. Little Bird Song and especially the Theme for the Eulipians are the highlights of the album for me. Obliged to compare this recording with the Grammy-nominated albums that followed, I awarded it 4 stars. The song selection, which I found uninteresting, is also a factor. Overall, I felt that in this album the trio was making adjustments, ironing out the kinks. It is a fine album, surely, but consistency is lacking; it lacks spark. The trio will ignite when they travel to Yoshi's and record before an audience."