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 ...
Read More
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 Dwayne Burno's booming bass vamp) and some lively but brief up-tempo bop choruses. "Intermission" shows Williams' adventuresome nature as a composer; Hicks and company are up to the task. Hicks also wrote five originals that fit right in with Williams' songs. Hicks doesn't try to mimic her style of writing but succeeds in capturing her essence in his compositions. "Two for You" is a lively bop 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 Williams' 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 Mary Lou Williams. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Impressions of Mary Lou to cart. $6.29, good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2000 by HighNote Records.
Add this copy of Impressions of Mary Lou to cart. $9.44, very good condition, Sold by David Segal rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2000 by HighNote Records.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good in very good packaging. Originally released: 2000. CD has a few light surface scratches but plays fine, insert fine, the usual surface scratches on case.
Add this copy of Impressions of Mary Lou to cart. $20.62, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2000 by HighNote Records.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Hicks; Suggs/Williams; Williams. New. New in new packaging. USA Orders only! Brand New product! please allow delivery times of 3-7 business days within the USA. US orders only please.
Add this copy of Impressions of Mary Lou to cart. $23.91, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2000 by Highnote.
Add this copy of Impressions of Mary Lou to cart. $30.05, new condition, Sold by Revaluation Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Exeter, DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2000 by HighNote Records.
Add this copy of Impressions of Mary Lou to cart. $41.50, new condition, Sold by Entertainment by Post - UK rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from BRISTOL, SOUTH GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2000 by HighNote Records.