Track Listings (10) - Disc #1| All Artists: Jessica Williams Title: This Side Up Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Label: Max Jazz Records Original Release Date: 1/1/2002 Re-Release Date: 4/2/2002 Genres: Jazz, Pop Style: Bebop Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 610614020327 |
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Search - Jessica Williams :: This Side Up
 | Jessica Williams This Side Up Genres: Jazz, Pop
Pianist Jessica Williams may not be a household name, but she's certainly got credentials. The former child prodigy gigged with the legendary Philly Joe Jones in her formative years, was the house pianist for San Francisco... more » |
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Amazon.com Pianist Jessica Williams may not be a household name, but she's certainly got credentials. The former child prodigy gigged with the legendary Philly Joe Jones in her formative years, was the house pianist for San Francisco's storied Keystone Korner club in the late-'70s, and counts Dave Brubeck as one of her biggest fans. Williams dropped out for a while, choosing to focus on her music rather than performing. Even so, the post-bop pianist still managed to put out a pile of records on Jazz Focus and Candid in the '90s. While those labels are well regarded, This Side Up, her first for the mighty MaxJazz label, should stir up a lot of new interest. Here Williams's technical mastery of the keyboard is stunning, but what's more impressive is her focus on creating moody ambiance and brilliant melodies in much the same way as Miles Davis did. The nine originals shine, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Theme for the Eulipians" sounds outstanding as well, with Williams subtly supported by the great duo of bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Victor Lewis. --Tad Hendrickson Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsAnother 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."
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