Customer Reviews

Presenting Joe Williams & Thad Jones/Mel Lewis

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of the very best singers accompanied by a band that cannot be surpassed. That's what's on this album.

Joe Williams had a combination of talent and charisma which placed him in the topmost echelon of jazz and blues artists. The Jones/Lewis organization of the mid 60's was an assembly of young, energetic, accomplished and dedicated instrumentalists the likes of which can only be longingly imagined today. And all elements of this marvelous mixture are beautifully represented on this CD.

The recording engineer was Phil Ramone, one of the most skilled and musical members of his profession. Recording with Phil at the board was the ideal situation for every performer and arranger in Manhattan. The album was recorded live to a 4-track machine. What you hear is what went on in the studio, and its good!

Joe Williams displays his grasp of a range of approaches to music. The knowing, reverent reading of Ellington's "Come Sunday" contrasts beautifully with the extroverted cockiness of tunes like "Evil Man Blues". Everything fits. Everything works.

The arrangements - mostly being sight-read on the sessions - were written by Thad, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and, I immodestly disclose, me ("Night Time Is The Right Time"). I mention the writers here because the album's producers failed to do so.

This CD is one that every lover of this kind of music will want. If you already have the LP it's probably as worn down and scratchy as is mine. If you don't, a wonderful new experience awaits you.

To be honest, the only reason I would not give this album 5 stars is that when it comes to Joe Williams and big bands, I still hold out for that Basie touch.

On the other hand, buy this if you're a fan of Joes! It's definitely worth the sheckles to hear this band with Joe Williams!

My personal choice for a desert island. The ultimate jazz vocalist and big band album! Everything comes together singer, band, recording, and Thad Jones arrangements!

I'd like to hear Joe Williams sing "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good." But, that's not on this CD. What is on this CD is a remarkable melding of complex jazz arrangements and the deep, rich, baritone voice of Joe Williams. And, it does not get any better than this.

Joe Williams always did a great job with blues and romantic ballads. He knew how to interpret lyrics very effectively but his voice, like Arthur Prysock's, was locked into a deep baritone. So, he had to stay within his range and still succeed in conveying the feelings embodied in the lyrics. He never failed in this respect. The arrangements on this release demand a voice that can move around a bit, for lack of a better description. Somehow, Joe Williams managed to stay (mostly) within his range and blend well with these arrangements. I got the feeling that he was smiling quite a bit while he was being recorded here. What a band! There is subtle humor in his presentation on some of the songs. This album is essential for any Joe Williams fan. Now, if they will only release on CD the LPs he did on Roulette.

Aside from Mr. Williams' singing, this release features one of the best jazz bands of any generation. As Frank Sinatra said in his 1966 TV special "Bless the musician."