Mary Lou Williams - The Next 100 Years

Mayhew, Virginia Quartet
Renma Recordings
Jazz | Aug 2012

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2012-08-02
VIRGINIA MAYHEW QUARTET: Mary Lou Williams – The Next 100 Years
Renma, 2012

MAINSTREAM JAZZ – Saxophonist Mayhew leads a tribute to Mary Lou Williams, a great pianist/bandleader who emerged in the swing era but remained an innovative force through the 1970s, working in every style from big bands to the avant-garde. Friendly performances abound, with trombone star Wycliffe Gordon featured on 5 tracks. Solid work.

All good! Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9

1. 5:29 – upbeat blues in waltz time: sax and guitar solos swing away
2. 5:27 – cool-groove intro, trombone gets into it, sax & drums also solo
3. 7:57 – oooh… serene, meditative groove with a ballad-like melody; so nice!
4. 6:42 – sneaky bop: bass has the spotlight first, then they spread it around
5. 11:30 – starts slow and simple, then drummer sets up an upbeat burner
6. 7:46 – one of MLW’s best-known tunes, extra bluesy with great trombone!
7. 3:08 – low-key bebop: twisty melody into extended bass solo
8. 4:39 – oddball mashup of boogie-woogie, blues & a waltz actually works!
9. 5:39 – original tune: a low groover with twisty bop elements & rolling solos
10. 5:40 – laid back & bluesy original with slightly angular harmony

[ Fo ] - 2 August 2012

Recent airplay

Medi 1, Medi 2
RebopMay 08, 2015
Medi 1
No Cover, No MinimumAug 09, 2013
What's Your Story Morning Glory
No Cover, No MinimumMay 10, 2013
Medi 1
No Cover, No MinimumOct 05, 2012
Waltz Boogie
Summer SessionSep 12, 2012
One For Mary Lou
RebopSep 04, 2012

Charting

2012-08-05 — 2012-10-07 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Oct 7 1
Sep 16 1
Sep 9 1
Sep 2 2
Aug 26 2
Aug 19 2
Aug 12 1

Track listing

1. J.B.'s Waltz
2. Medi 2
3. Medi 1
4. O.W.
5. Cancer
6. What's Your Story Morning Glory
7. N.M.E
8. Waltz Boogie
9. One For Mary Lou
10. 5 For Mary Lou