Search - Mary Lou Williams :: At Rick's Cafe American

Incredible modernity by the First Lady of jazz piano

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 01/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981) was first known as the pianist and arranger of the famous Andy Kirk's Clouds of Joy,during the thirties.Born in Pittsburgh,May 8,1910,this exceptionnally talented musician could have remained in our minds as one of the top musicians of the pre-war Kansas City style, but she didn't.This immense Lady recorded during the fifities,sixties and seventies some rare but inestimable albums,some masterpieces in the difficult art of piano jazz.Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell learned a lot from her,and this recording shows where Ahmad Jamal comes from.Recorded in Chicago,at the Rick's Café,November 14,1979,this outstanding trio session shows Mary Lou in top form,playing with a Dukish modernity (at the same time,she recorded a duet album with Cecil Taylor at the Montreux Jazz Festival !!!!) and swinging through great standards.I urge you to listen to her, because she's one of the most talented jazz pianist ever,completely unclassable.The incredible modernity,ferocity and swing of her playing is amazing during the 13 tracks of this concert.A special mention for her versions of Duke Ellington's "the Jeep is jumping" and "Caravan",and for the rarely played "St James infirmary".Sixty seven minutes of very great music,played by one of jazz's greatest artists."