Doctor Professor Leonard King: In Tribute To Joe Williams
Eastlawn, 2025
9/10
Listen to Doctor Professor Leonard King: In Tribute To Joe Williams
The always impressive Planet D Nonet are aligned with Leonard King’s inimitable vocals for these tracks that tip their hat to the legendary Joe Williams.
“Who She Do” begins with plenty of soulful energy, where James O’Donnell’s animated trumpet and Sean Perlmutter’s frisky drums make an impression, and “The Comeback” follows with Trevor Lamb’s precise double bass and Matt LoRusso’s radiant guitar complementing the grooves.
Halfway through, “Sad Song” benefits much from RJ Spangler’s playful congas, as King provides spoken word and singing, while “Night Time Is The Right Time” makes great use of a booming sax solo amid the powerful singing.
Landing near the end, the Big Band ideas of “Don’t Push, Don’t Pull” bops and shakes with an infectious energy that swings with much fun, and “Some Of This ‘N’ Some Of That” allows for Michael Zaporski’s frisky keys and King’s cowbell to finish the record as strong as it started.
The saxes are provided by Alex Colista (alto), Christopher Tabaczynski (tenor) and Tre Smith (bari). John ‘Tbone’ Paxton” adds trombone, and Charlie Miller also plays trumpet. Together, they mostly focus on the life of Williams after he left the Count Basie Orchestra (except 1 track), and they sure do justice to his timeless jazz legacy.
Travels well with: Planet D Nonet- Blues To Be There, A Salute To Duke Ellington; Planet D Nonet- Echoes Of Harlem: A Tribute To Duke Ellington Vol 2