The death of James Williams during the summer of 2004 a few short months after he was unexpectedly diagnosed with liver cancer robbed the jazz world of a brilliant pianist, composer/arranger and jazz educator. Like Bobby Watson, he was a notable graduate of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and their tenures overlapped in the band. These live performances from 2003 mark their only duo recording together, though it was taped during a concert in a private home with absolutely no intention of being issued on CD. Yet the sound is exemplary, so producer Jon W. Poses, with the help of Watson, choose nearly 75 minutes from nearly three hours of performances that night for release. Since they weren't playing with the idea of making a CD, the duo allow inspiration to take hold and most of their performances run over ten minutes, but never lack for creativity. The tunes are, for the most part, songs ingrained in the memory of the musicians, like the soulful "Moanin'" that they both probably played nearly every night while working with Blakey, though this version is unlike anything either of them have ever recorded. Williams sets up his moving "Alter Ego" with a brilliant solo that reveals many of his musical influences, while Watson's heartfelt alto sax packs an emotional punch as well. Watson's driving "Wheel Within a Wheel" dates back to the time that he and Williams were working with Blakey; together they manage to rekindle the magic without a rhythm section. The one solo feature is the medley "Spiritually James," in which the pianist incorporates several hymns and spirituals, along with Duke Ellington's "The Single Petal of a Rose," the standard "Stardust" and even a bit of classical music. Watson's wife Pamela Baskin-Watson joins the duo for a stunning interpretation of the old chestnut "Skylark." The closing track, Charlie Parker's "Relaxin' at Camarillo," is not a brief walk-off set closer, but yet another extended romp that demonstrates why the musicians kept playing for nearly three hours without losing steam. Jon W. Poses' detailed liner notes, along with tributes by a number of musicians who knew Williams well, strongly indicate how respected and loved that the late pianist still is. Released as a limited edition of just 2000, this CD, which benefits both the James Williams Jazz Series Education Program and the UMKC Conservatory of Music (which is directed by Bobby Watson) is available exclusively through
www.wealwaysswing.org and destined to become a collector's item. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
