The Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project: Volume One
Innova, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project: Volume One
The vibraphonist and composer Cecilia Smith brings her inimitable skills to honor the legacy of Mary Lou Williams with these 10 tracks that welcome some exceptional musicians.
“Sketch 1- Truth Be Told For MLW” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Ron Savage’s swift drums and Smith’s lively vibes makes for a dreamy and melodic climate, and “What’s Your Story Morning Glory?” follows with Kenny Davis’ playfully plucked bass amid Carla Cook’s soulful voice.
At the midpoint, “Sketch 3- 100 Years Of MLW” emits a rich tone thanks to the warm keys and calming vibe manipulation, while “St. Louis Blues” is quite frisky in the rhythmic and contagious album highlight.
Near to the end, “It’s A Grand Night For Swinging” indeed will get your body moving to the dynamic mood of the timeless jazz sensibilities, and the 2nd version of “Miss D.D.” exits with the hypnotic bass, meticulous vibe progressions and shuffling drums for the animated and textured finish.
An excellent starting point for a project with immeasurable talent present, Smith sees future installments willing to embrace big band ideas and choral pieces, and there’s little doubt it will be as focused, diverse and memorable as this.
Travels well with: Jane Irving- Don’t Quit Now; Trio Profondo- Mosaic