John Hicks
' series of tributes to greats of the past for
High Note
continues with this fine CD honoring
Mary Lou Williams
, who passed away in 1981. What is so compelling about
Hicks
' salute to
Williams
is that he ignores her best known secular works; he sticks mostly to excerpts from her religious compositions, which, of course, still swing mightily. Joined by bassist
Dwayne Burno
and drummer
Cecil Brooks III
, the pianist opens with a driving rendition of her
"Lord Have Mercy"
(from
"Music for Peace"
).
"O.W."
is a strut that alternates between a slow chant (anchored by
's booming bass vamp) and some lively but brief up-tempo
bop
choruses.
"Intermission"
shows
' adventuresome nature as a composer;
and company are up to the task.
also wrote five originals that fit right in with
' songs.
doesn't try to mimic her style of writing but succeeds in capturing her essence in his compositions.
"Two for You"
is a lively
vehicle and solo piano feature that has shades of
Mary Lou
as well as
Bud Powell
.
"Ballad for Mary Lou"
is a beautiful melody that also reflects the complex nature of
' playing, as well as her personality.
"Not Too Straight"
is an up-tempo
blues
that has the angular quality of
Thelonious Monk
's works with the aggressiveness of
. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden