Williams, Buster
High Note, 2004, SACD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 10.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Bassist Williams teams up with George Colligan (p), Stephan Harris (vibes) and drummer Lenny White to perform eight of his new compositions. The music ranges from racy bop songs like “Related to One” to soothing ballads like “The Triumphant Dance of The Butterfly”. Each of the musicians get a chance to shine during the session. The use of both piano and vibes in this quartet gives the music colorations that makes it stand out from the pack. The selections flow together to create a story that begs you to listen. There are a multitude of entertaining passages especially from Stephan and George. White holds the beats together while interjecting taps that accentuate the character and the leader, Williams takes the liberty to walk across the landscape, with a confident cool groove. It’s noteworthy.